There are many ways that citizens hold government accountable in a democracy. Having access to public records is one of them.

The League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area is partnering with the Post & Courier newsroom to bring you a panel discussion about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and how open records laws work in our state. FOIA laws are often described as the laws that allow citizens to stay aware of what their government is doing. FOIA requests are made by journalists, citizen groups, and other organizations to get access to public records and documents.  

The panel will be led by Autumn Phillips, Editor in Chief of The Post & Courier, Charleston's award-winning local newspaper and website. Panelists are expected to include Glenn Smith, Watchdog and Public Service Editor; Hillary Flynn, Education Editor; public service reporters Tony Bartelme and Thad Moore, and other journalists.

In recent years, Post & Courier reporters have made use of FOIA open record laws to uncover important stories in the public interest dealing with government corruption and ethics, business malfeasance, school board operations, criminal justice, and civil rights. The resulting stories often change attitudes, and sometimes change laws.  

Citizens, organizations, and nonprofit groups can file requests and make the law work for them too.  Attend this panel to learn how!

This event will be held at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Charleston County Main Library on Calhoun Street, in the Auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public.  Ticket sign-ups are requested in advance. Walk-ins will also be seated as space permits. 

(Please note that the names and email addresses of those who sign up for this event may be shared with our partners at Post and Courier).