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Common Records |
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Record: Campaign Contributions What it shows: The sources of funding for candidates for public office. Where to find it: The County Election Office, as well as the state Board of Elections, maintains this information. Why you need it: Determining if candidates are being influenced by special interests can be key for voters who are trying to determine which candidate most closely matches their basic views.
Record: Census Data What it shows: Census data can provide information such as a community’s racial make-up, average housing costs, length of time people have lived in a community, the age of residents, income figures, occupations and other demographic data. Where to find it: The U.S. Census Bureau maintains a Web site where information from the most recent census, as well as some intermediate censuses, can be found. Why you need it: People looking to open a business in a community may want to look first to see who lives there, how the community is growing or shrinking and whether residents work in the community or commute elsewhere. The data can also be merged with voting records to provide a picture of the type of residents who live in a particular community, or with school performance or crime data to help show whether the schools are declining or whether crime is on the increase. Interim census reports can provide an early indication of emerging demographic trends.
Record: Court Records/Proceedings What it shows: Charges filed, cases heard and dispositions of those cases. Where to find it: Most counties have a district and circuit court building or courthouse. Federal cases can be found at the federal courthouse in Baltimore or Greenbelt. The state also maintains a Web site that includes links to appellate opinions, as well as general information such as how to get a record expunged or how to file a small claims complaint. Why you need it: Court proceedings, except in rare instances, such as to protect a juvenile or in cases of child abuse, are open to the public. Court records, including dockets of upcoming cases, disposition of cases and criminal records also are open. This is to protect both the public and assuring that those accused get a fair trial.
Record: Death Certificates What it shows: The official record of a person’s death. Where to find it: The state’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Statistics. Why you need it: Death certificates are available only to surviving relatives, authorized representatives, beneficiaries and certain others who may have a legal claim with the deceased.
Record: Divorces What it shows: A record of divorce proceedings in a given jurisdiction. Where to find it: Circuit court Why you need it: Having divorce records public makes an easy quick reference for people who are embarking on second marriages to ensure that their potential spouse’s first marriage has ended
Record: Driving Records What it shows: The driving record and any violations imposed over the previous three years Where to find it: State Motor Vehicle Administration Why you need it: Businesses and individuals can get three-year driving records of other individuals, which could demonstrate an individual’s competency behind the wheel or ability to carry out specific job duties. Personal information such as addresses, insurance information or license plate numbers are not public.
Record: E-mail What it shows: Incoming and outgoing e-mail correspondence. Where to find it: The public official Why you need it: A public official’s e-mail generated in the course of their duties or with taxpayer paid for office equipment, both hard copy and in electronic format, is a public record and can show if it is being used for the purposes intended. E-mails between elected officials concerning a pressing public issue could also demonstrate a public body’s attempt to circumvent open meetings laws.
Record: Employment contracts What it shows: Employment contracts detailing the wages and benefits paid to public officials through tax dollars. Where to find it: The Human Relations department of the office involved. Why you need it: Open contracts assures that tax dollars are being spent wisely, and can provide a red flag if certain employees are getting paid far more than others in similar positions or have excessive benefits packages.
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