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FOIA fast facts

In Virginia, the Freedom of Information Act guarantees that public meetings (defined as gatherings of at least three members or a quorum, if less than three) as well as most public records be accessible to anyone — including you. 

Some examples of records covered by the statute might include a city councilor’s text messages, emails sent or received by a (public) university president or a copy of a business contract. Fees sometimes apply to requests and are usually charged at an hourly rate for the person procuring the records. 

While there are certain exemptions, such as for personnel records or those covered by attorney-client privilege, members of the public can make requests to specific offices in their locality. 

Make a FOIA request in Stafford County.

Getting Ready to Vote

  1. Check voter registration. If you’re not registered, get registered!  https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation 
  2. Did you know? You can pre register to vote at 16! 

Going to Vote

  1. Be informed of candidates!
  1. Have a voter ID https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/voter-id/outreach-materials/documents/Voter-Identification-Chart-Rev-4-28-21.pdf 
  2. Make a plan! What are your candidate options, what issues do you value, what party coincides with your morals, and values
  3. Where to vote: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/ 

How to get engaged

  1. Educate yourself! Find information on your local officers and their policies 
  2. Identify your interest in policies and how they affect you
  3. Sign up to make a public comment

Did You Know

  • Virginia follows the Dillon Rule. The objective is for local governments to only exercise what is granted by the state, what is necessary and what is crucial for the existence of local government. Under Dillon, local governments are simply an extension of state government and power should be distributed to them.
  • In 2006 and 2009 Stafford was ranked as the county with the 11th highest income in the United States by Forbes Magazine.
  • Chatham Manor, located in Stafford County, is a home open to the public with a beautiful garden during the springtime!
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