Want to get information from Charlotte’s leaders and city agencies? How to request it
It’s National Sunshine Week, an annual tradition in the news business highlighting the people’s right under law to obtain information and documents from the government.
While journalists like the team at The Charlotte Observer regularly used public records requests to help our reporting, citizens are also free to file requests in order to get information from local, state and federal agencies.
In many cases, filing a request is as simple as filling out a short online form.
Here’s what to know about your rights to see public records and how to get them at the local, state and federal level:
What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act, commonly referred to as FOIA, is the federal law that governs how the public can request and obtain records from federal agencies.
It was passed originally in 1967 and has been updated multiple times since.
“Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement,” the federal government says.
North Carolina also has its own public records laws that dictate how to get records from state and local agencies.
Who can file a public records request?
Although journalists are perhaps best known for filing them, anyone can file a public records request.
A 2017 study by the Columbia Journalism Review found that journalists file about 7.6% of FOIA requests, while individuals make up about 20% of requests.
Other common inquiries come from businesses, law firms, and nonprofits, per the study.
How to request records from the City of Charlotte
The City of Charlotte provides an online form for people to use to make public records requests from the city and city agencies.
You can find the form at charlottenc.gov/PublicRecords/Pages/default.aspx, where you will be asked to provide your name, contact information and “as much detailed information as possible” about what you’re requesting.
“Although most information the City of Charlotte houses is public and subject to disclosure, some information is considered protected,” the city notes. “For example, we are obligated to protect such things as: sensitive public security information, components of personnel files, tax information, and social security numbers.”
The city also makes public online a breakdown of the public records requests it receives.
How to file a records request with Mecklenburg County
To start the process of making a public records request with Mecklenburg County, visit mecknc.gov/Pages/Records-and-Inquiries.aspx.
There, you’ll find a breakdown of where to find commonly requested records, such as property records and birth or death certificates.
You’ll also have the option to file a records request electronically or download a form to print and mail in.
How to file a records request with North Carolina state government, state agencies
To file a records request with a state agency in North Carolina, you need to go to the specific state agency that has the record you’re looking for.
Most agencies have an online form on their website and will also allow you to print out a form, complete it by hand and then mail it in.
How to seek information from the federal government
A streamlined way to file a records request with the federal government or a federal agency is to visit foia.gov.
There, you can search a database of government agencies and bodies and either file your request with them electronically through the portal or get information on how to file a request directly with the agency in question.
The portal will also provide an estimate on how long it will take for your request to be fulfilled and direct you to places where the information you’re requesting may already be available.
