You can help us hold Oklahoma’s government officials accountable

It’s Sunshine Week, a time to shine light on the importance of public records and open government.

At Oklahoma Voice, we rely on open records requests to find out how our government is making decisions behind closed doors. Public records were essential in our reporting that explored how Gov. Kevin Stitt utilized a state plane for travel.

But responses are often thwarted by high fees, slow responses or exemptions. Last year, one state agency initially estimated fulfilling an Oklahoma Voice records request could cost more than $900. The agency later waived the fee after we reminded them of a part of Oklahoma law that prohibits charging money for a search fee. Journalists can’t be watchdogs without a transparent government.

Your support of Oklahoma Voice helps us report on what the public has a right to know.