Understanding the Role of a FOIA Officer [Federal Elections]

Definition & Meaning

A FOIA Officer, in the context of federal elections, is an individual designated by the Chief FOIA Officer to manage the daily operations related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) within the Election Assistance Commission. This role includes overseeing requests for information, ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations, and facilitating transparency in government operations.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A FOIA Officer receives a request for documents related to federal election funding. They review the request, gather the necessary documents, and respond within the required timeframe.

Example 2: A citizen submits a FOIA request to obtain records of a public meeting held by the Election Assistance Commission. The FOIA Officer processes the request and provides the requested information as mandated by law.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
FOIA Officer A designated individual responsible for managing FOIA requests. Specifically focused on the implementation of FOIA within a federal agency.
Chief FOIA Officer The senior official responsible for overseeing the FOIA program. Higher authority than the FOIA Officer, with broader responsibilities.
Public Information Officer An official responsible for disseminating information to the public. May not specifically deal with FOIA requests or compliance.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to request information from a federal agency, start by identifying the appropriate FOIA Officer for that agency. You can often find contact information on the agency's website. Consider using templates from US Legal Forms to help you draft your request effectively. If your situation is complex, seeking assistance from a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Typical response time for FOIA requests: 20 business days
  • Jurisdiction: Federal agencies
  • Possible penalties for non-compliance: Legal action may be taken against the agency

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A FOIA Officer manages the day-to-day operations of FOIA requests and ensures compliance with the law.