The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) has, as its guiding principles, openness and transparency so that Virginia citizens may know how their elected officials are conducting public business. Except for specific exemptions as defined in the State Code, citizens are allowed to examine and be provided copies of public records if requested. As defined by VFOIA, "public records" means all writings and recordings that consist of letters, words or numbers, or their equivalent, set down by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostatting, photography, magnetic impulse, optical or magneto-optical form, mechanical or electronic recording or other form of data compilation, however stored, and regardless of physical form or characteristics, prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. Records that are not prepared for or used in the transaction of public business are not public records.
NOTE: If making multiple requests, a new form must be completed for each request.