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FOIA Request to Madison County Recorder Regarding Property Sales Records/Transactions on May 2, 2025.
We, at Prairie State Wire, have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Madison County Recorder in Illinois. Our request seeks comprehensive records related to property sales within the county. Specifically, we are asking for a list of all properties and their most recent sale details, along with any available metadata pertaining to these transactions.
The requested information includes crucial details such as the Recorded Instrument ID, Transaction Date, Transaction Amount, Transaction Type, Buyer Name, and Seller Name. As a media organization dedicated to delivering accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, access to these public records is vital for us to fulfill our role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency.
In our request, we have also sought a fee waiver based on our status as members of the media. We believe that providing this information serves the public interest by enhancing understanding and scrutiny of governmental operations.
Additionally, we are part of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that supports media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government actions through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. This collaboration underscores our commitment to uncovering important information that informs the American electorate.
We look forward to receiving the requested records and will continue our efforts to provide thorough reporting on matters affecting our community.