RESOURCES
Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)
The Colorado Open Records Act "CORA" requires that most public records be available to the public. A "public record" includes most writings made, maintained, or kept by our office. However, there are some exceptions concerning records made available under CORA.
Anyone can request public records in the possession of a government office, including the Secretary of State's office.
Freedom of Information Act
The basic function of the Freedom of Information Act is to ensure informed citizens, vital to the functioning of a democratic society.
CORA Public Records Request Template
[Your Name]
[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]
[Date]
City of Colorado Springs
Dear :
Under the Colorado Open Records Law § 24-72-201 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records:
[Describe the records or information sought with enough detail for the public agency to respond. Be as specific as your knowledge of the available records will allow. But it is more important to describe the information you are seeking.]
If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost will exceed $______. However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of ___________ [Here, you can identify yourself as a representative of the news media if applicable and state that your request is related to news gathering purposes.] This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.
The statute requires a response to this request within three days following receipt of this letter. If access to the records I am requesting will take longer, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.
If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone number]