Sunshine Week

 

Sunshine Week is March 15-21, 2026, which is the annual observance of the importance of public records and open government. Sunshine Week is a great reminder that we work for the public, and citizens have the right to expect transparency from our office.  

Daily, the Clerk’s Office works with the public and reporters to respond swiftly and responsibly to public records requests. Here is a quick tips sheet with details on what to remember when requesting public records. 

You can search for many records online 24/7 on our MyeClerk site. In our role of maintaining court records, we have millions of files filled with information on criminal trials, civil suits, traffic violations, adoptions, custody disputes, and domestic violence documents, to name just a few.

Here are a few quick tips for requesting public records:

• MOST PUBLIC RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE
  For most offices, documents such as court and official records are accessible electronically. For a list of records available online, please visit your Clerk of Court’s website or contact their office.
• GET TO KNOW THE CONTACTS FOR REQUESTING PUBLIC RECORDS
  Many offices have a Public Records liaison to process public records requests. If you request public records frequently, it may be helpful to contact these individuals.
• BE PRECISE WITH YOUR PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS
  Putting your request in writing and being precise with your request helps improve efficiency. Broad requests may increase the time to fulfill and narrow requests may not include the information you’re looking for.
• DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? JUST ASK.
  If you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, Public Records liaisons are here to work with you in making the appropriate request.