Right-to-Know 101: How you can request public records, and why it matters

The press plays an important role in holding government accountable, but the public does too, by keeping an eye on their local and state officials.

In 2021, a Webster couple uncovered an illegal land deal between town officials and the town treasurer. The treasurer, who had purchased town-owned land at a significant discount without public notice, was convicted and can no longer hold public office in Webster. And the news coverage of the couple’s efforts inspired residents in other communities to investigate how their own officials were selling town-owned lots.

There are many other examples.

The ACLU of New Hampshire has used records requests to shed light on immigration enforcement at the Canadian border and the Trump administration’s efforts targeting foreign students.

A Nashua woman