For reasons too frustrating to get into right now, ten states have restrictions within their public record laws that allow them to deny requests from “non-citizens,” meaning anyone out of state. So if you’re a reporter in Chicago filing in Arkansas for a request related to a national story, this is the response you’d get …
…regardless of demonstrable public interest.
To get around this, MuckRock followed the advice of the Supreme Court and set up a system of resident proxies, volunteers who serve as our in-state representatives. Right now, we need proxies for:
- Alabama
- Arkansas (Urgent)
- Delaware
- New Hampshire
If you live in one of those states - or your know somebody who does - please consider helping out. As a MuckRock proxy requester, you’ll enable others to continue to demand accountability. In exchange, you’ll get your own Professional MuckRock account - 20 requests a month and all that comes with them - and the gratitude of the transparency community.
Interested in helping the cause? Let us know at info@muckrock.com or via the form below.
Image via US National Archives Flickr
