reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-30. - Penalty for violations.

§ 17-20-30. Penalty for violations.
(a)
Any person who knowingly makes or causes to be made any material false statement in connection with his or her application to vote as a mail voter, or who votes or attempts to vote under the provisions of this chapter, by fraudulently signing the name of another upon any envelope provided for in this chapter, or who, not being a qualified voter and having knowledge or being chargeable with knowledge of the fact, attempts to vote under this chapter, or who votes the ballot of another voter, or who deliberately prevents or causes to prevent the mail ballot to be received by the voter or to be returned to the board of elections, or who deceives, coerces, or interferes with the voter casting his or her ballot, and any person who does or attempts to do, or aid in doing or attempting to do, a fraudulent act in connection with any vote cast or to be cast under the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a felony.
(b)
Any person who, having received a mail voter’s ballot and having voted or not voted the mail ballot, votes or fraudulently attempts to vote at any elective meeting within the state held on the day for which the ballot was issued shall be guilty of a felony.
(c)
Any officer or other person who intentionally opens a mail voter’s certified envelope or examines the contents before the envelope is opened by the board of elections, as provided in this chapter, shall be guilty of a felony.
(d)
The offenses in this section shall be punishable by imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years and/or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 407, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-31. - Investigation of complaints.

§ 17-20-31. Investigation of complaints.
The board of elections shall consider all complaints that it receives alleging criminal violations of this chapter and shall refer those complaints which it receives which it deems to be more than frivolous to the state police for investigation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-32. - [Repealed.]

§ 17-20-32. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 19; P.L. 1991, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 207, § 1; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 7, effective June 7, 2022; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 7, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-33. - Disqualification of ballot by board of elections.

§ 17-20-33. Disqualification of ballot by board of elections.
The board of elections shall, on its own motion, disqualify any mail ballot which it determines, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, was not voted by the elector who purportedly cast it, or was voted by an elector who was not eligible to vote by mail ballot, or was not obtained and voted in the manner prescribed by this chapter. The board of elections may take this action even in the absence of a challenge to the ballot and may take this action at any time prior to the separation of the ballot from its application and certifying envelope.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-34. - Liberal construction.

§ 17-20-34. Liberal construction.
This chapter shall be construed liberally to effect the purposes of maintaining the integrity and the secrecy of the mail ballot by assuring that only electors eligible to vote by mail ballot are allowed to utilize that method of voting, by assuring that the procedures set forth in this chapter controlling the application and balloting processes are strictly enforced, and by safeguarding the mail ballot voter from harassment, intimidation, and invasion of privacy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-35. - Severability.

§ 17-20-35. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter, or the application of the provision to any persons or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21 - Voting by Armed Forces [Repealed.] › Section 17-21-1 - — 17-21-43. Repealed.

§ 17-21-1 — 17-21-43. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1470, §§ 1-31; P.L. 1946, ch. 1776, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3502, § 1; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-21-1 — 17-21-43; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1962, ch. 201, § 8; P.L. 1963, ch. 73, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-21-12; P.L. 1963, ch. 73, § 2; P.L. 1964, ch. 103, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, §§ 19-21; P.L. 1968, ch. 106, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 11; Repealed by P.L. 1963, ch. 73, § 3; P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 1. For present provisions on mail ballots, see § 17-20-1 et seq; for provisions on registration and voting in federal elections by citizens residing outside the United States, see § 17-21.1-1 et seq.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-1. - Applicability.

§ 17-21.1-1. Applicability.
This chapter is enacted pursuant to Public Law 94-203, passed by the congress of the United States and approved on January 2, 1976, and applies to all federal elections to select, nominate, and/or elect candidates for president, vice-president, presidential electors, members of the United States senate, and members of the United States house of representatives.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-2. - Absentee registration.

§ 17-21.1-2. Absentee registration.
(a)
Any person otherwise qualified pursuant to this title who is a citizen of the United States and is absent from this state and residing outside the United States shall have the right to register absentee and vote by an absentee ballot in any federal election in this state in any election district of this state in which the person was last domiciled immediately prior to that person’s departure from the United States, notwithstanding that the person does not have a place of abode or other address in this state, and the person’s intent to return to this state may be uncertain, if:
(1)
The person has registered pursuant to the provisions of § 17-20-6.1;
(2)
The person does not maintain a domicile, is not registered to vote, and does not vote in any other state or election district of a state or territory, or in any territory or possession of the United States; and
(3)
The person has a valid passport or card of identity and registration issued under the authority of the secretary of state of the United States.
(b)
If the person is a United States citizen and has never lived in the United States, but has a parent who is a qualified elector pursuant to this chapter, then that person shall be eligible to register and vote in federal elections where his or her parent is a qualified elector.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 354, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 396, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-3. - Repealed.

§ 17-21.1-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 171, § 9; P.L. 1999, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 47; Repealed by P.L. 2005, ch. 354, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 396, § 3, effective July 19, 2005.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-4. - Repealed.

§ 17-21.1-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 357, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2005, ch. 354, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 396, § 3, effective July 19, 2005.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-5. - Repealed.

§ 17-21.1-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 252, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2005, ch. 354, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 396, § 3, effective July 19, 2005.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-6. - Repealed.

§ 17-21.1-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2005, ch. 354, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 396, § 3, effective July 19, 2005.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-21.1 - Registration and Voting in Federal Elections by Citizens Residing Outside the United States › Section 17-21.1-7. - Repealed.

§ 17-21.1-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 258, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2005, ch. 354, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 396, § 3, effective July 19, 2005.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-1. - Commencement and continuance of tabulations.

§ 17-22-1. Commencement and continuance of tabulations.
The state board shall commence the counting, canvassing, and tabulating of all votes cast, including mail ballots, at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. on any election day at which mail ballots may be cast and within twenty-four (24) hours after any other election or primary, and shall continue and complete the tabulation with all reasonable expedition by using an optical scan count system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 3; P.L. 1905, ch. 1229, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 3; P.L. 1914, ch. 1050, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 3; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, §§ 36, 39; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 73, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 14; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 14; P.L. 2018, ch. 55, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 58, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-2. - Public sessions for counting — Persons permitted within railed space.

§ 17-22-2. Public sessions for counting — Persons permitted within railed space.
The sessions of the state board for the counting, canvassing, and tabulating provided for in § 17-22-1, and for the opening of the inner certifying envelopes containing mail ballots and for the counting, canvassing, and tabulating of these ballots, shall be public, but no notice or advertisement of these sessions needs to be given. The opening, counting, canvassing, and tabulating shall be done within a railed space in the room in which it takes place, and the board shall admit within the railed space the candidate, or at least one representative of the candidate, for whom votes are at the time being opened, counted, canvassed, or tabulated who may scrutinize the opening, count, canvass, and tabulation in accordance with the rules which may be adopted by the board. The board shall also admit to the opening, counting, canvassing, and tabulating an equal number of representatives of each political party who shall be party voters of the parties represented by them. These representatives, as well as the representatives of candidates, shall be authorized in writing by the chairperson of the state committees of their respective political parties or by the candidates whom they represent, as the case may be. Insofar as applicable, the procedures provided for in this chapter shall be followed by the local boards in the counting and tabulating of municipal mail ballots, except only that in these instances the representatives of political parties shall be appointed by the chairpersons of the city or town committees of their respective political parties. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the board from admitting, in its discretion, other persons and representatives of the press within the railed space during the opening, counting, canvassing, and tabulating.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 5; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 73, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-3. - Deputy sheriffs attending sessions — Disturbance of proceedings.

§ 17-22-3. Deputy sheriffs attending sessions — Disturbance of proceedings.
The sheriff of Providence County shall assign as many of the sheriff’s deputies as the state board may request to attend upon the board during its sessions to preserve order. The orders of the presiding officer of the board at the meetings shall be obeyed by the deputies, and they shall, at the direction of the presiding officer, remove from the room where any session is being held any person not a member of the board. Any person who disturbs or interferes with the proceedings of any session shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 7; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-4. - Investigation of returns of local boards.

§ 17-22-4. Investigation of returns of local boards.
In case the return made to the state board by any election officer or officers of any town or district meeting contains any statement or information which makes it desirable or proper, in the opinion of the board, to investigate the conduct of the election in the town or district, the board may investigate the truth of the allegations contained in the returns, and of all the circumstances connected with the holding of the election, and shall use in its count, canvass, and tabulation, as the result of the voting at the meeting, the number of votes for the respective candidates and for and against the propositions or questions voted for or on that the investigation, in the state board’s opinion, proves to be correct.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 10; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 31, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-5. - Certificates of election — Statement to secretary of state.

§ 17-22-5. Certificates of election — Statement to secretary of state.
(a)
The state board shall immediately, after the result has been ascertained, furnish to each candidate elected a certificate of that candidate’s election, and shall deliver to the secretary of state, who shall keep it on file in the secretary’s office, a statement of:
(1)
The number of votes cast in each voting district, town, and city for each candidate;
(2)
The total number cast in the state for each of the candidates for electors and for general officers;
(3)
The total number cast in each congressional district for each candidate for representative in congress;
(4)
The total number cast in each senatorial and representative district for each candidate for senator and representative in the general assembly;
(5)
The number of votes cast in each voting district, town, and city for and against any proposed amendment of the Constitution, or question submitted to the electors of the state;
(6)
The total number of votes cast in the state for and against any proposed amendment or question;
(7)
The names of the respective candidates elected and the offices to which they have been respectively elected;
(8)
Whether or not the proposed amendment has been adopted; and
(9)
Whether or not any question has been assented to by the electors of the state.
(b)
The certificates and statement shall be signed by the board and shall be final and conclusive evidence of the matters contained in them and of the title of the persons declared elected to the offices for which they have severally received certificates of election, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 4; P.L. 1905, ch. 1229, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 4; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-5.1. - Investigation by board of elections prior to certification.

§ 17-22-5.1. Investigation by board of elections prior to certification.
At any time prior to the certification of the results of a particular election, the state board of elections may, upon its own motion, investigate any allegation of error, irregularity, or impropriety in the conduct of any facet of the election which comes to its attention and may, upon its own motion, take appropriate action based upon the findings of the investigation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-5.2. - Certificates of local elections — Statement to secretary of state.

§ 17-22-5.2. Certificates of local elections — Statement to secretary of state.
The local board shall immediately, after the result has been ascertained, furnish to the secretary of state a statement of the number of votes cast in the city or town for each candidate, the total number of votes cast in the city or town for and against any proposed amendment to a charter or question, and the names of the respective candidates elected and the offices to which they have been respectively elected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 410, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-6. - Certification of results to governor and secretary of state — Failure to elect to general assembly.

§ 17-22-6. Certification of results to governor and secretary of state — Failure to elect to general assembly.
The state board shall, immediately after completing the counting, canvass, and tabulating of the votes cast for general officers and senators and representatives in the general assembly and declaring the result, furnish the governor a certificate of the names of the persons who have been elected general officers for the ensuing year, and shall also furnish to the secretary of state a certificate of the names of the persons elected as senators and representatives in the general assembly. Whenever the count, canvass, and tabulation of the board shows that there has been a failure to elect a senator or representative or any of them in any district, the board shall immediately certify the fact to the secretary of state, specifying which of the officers were not elected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 8; P.L. 1905, ch. 1229, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 8; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-7. - Books of record of votes — Contents.

§ 17-22-7. Books of record of votes — Contents.
(a)
The board shall keep separate books of record of the votes cast for the different classes of officers which it is its duty to count, canvass, and tabulate, as follows:
(1)
A book of record of votes cast for electors of president and vice-president;
(2)
A book of record of votes cast for senators and representatives in congress;
(3)
A book of record of votes cast for general officers; and
(4)
A book of record of the votes cast for each class of officers that may by law subsequently be required to be counted, canvassed, and tabulated by the board.
(b)
Each of the respective books shall contain:
(1)
A record of the number of votes cast in each voting district for each candidate according to the counting, canvassing, and tabulating of the board;
(2)
The number cast in each voting district for each candidate according to the certificates of the moderators or wardens and clerks;
(3)
The total number cast for each candidate in each town and city according to the counting and to the certificates;
(4)
The total number cast for each candidate in the state or congressional district, as the case may be, according to the counting and the certificates;
(5)
A statement of which candidates are elected; and
(6)
Any other pertinent facts that the board deems proper.
(c)
The board shall also keep a book of record of the votes cast for and against any proposition of amendment of the Constitution and a book of record of the votes cast for and against all questions submitted to the electors of the state, with like detail as provided in this section in relation to votes cast for officers.
(d)
Notwithstanding the above, the state board shall report all write-in votes received by persons, not otherwise qualifying to appear on the ballot and receiving less than five (5) votes in a race, as a composite total of all write-in votes cast for said office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 12; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 9; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 279, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 482, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-8. - Lists of absentee voters.

§ 17-22-8. Lists of absentee voters.
The state board, not later than thirty (30) days after any election day at which voting by mail ballot is permitted by chapter 20 of this title, shall prepare and mail to the local board of each city and town a list of names of every voter of the city or town who has voted by mail ballot.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951 (s.s.), ch. 2870, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 17-10-40; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 209, § 5; 1963, ch. 73, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-22 - Tabulation and Certification of Returns by State Board › Section 17-22-9. - Oath of members and assistants — Penalty for violations.

§ 17-22-9. Oath of members and assistants — Penalty for violations.
The members, secretary, and assistants of the state board shall be sworn to the faithful and impartial performance of their duties, and any member, secretary, or assistant who willfully neglects to perform the duties devolved upon him or her by this chapter at the times provided, or who makes any fraudulent count, tabulation, certificate, or statement, or in any way willfully performs his or her duties to defeat the obtaining of a correct count and tabulation of the votes cast, shall be guilty of a felony.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 825, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 19, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 18, § 18; P.L. 1930, ch. 1592, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 311, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-8; G.L. 1956, § 17-22-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-1. - Signature and labeling of advertising in periodicals.

§ 17-23-1. Signature and labeling of advertising in periodicals.
No person shall publish or cause to be published in any newspaper or other periodical, either in its advertising or reading columns, any paid matter designed or tending to aid, injure, or defeat any candidate for public office or any question submitted to the voters, unless the name of the chairperson or secretary or the names of two (2) officers of the political or other organization inserting the paid matter, or the name of some voter who is responsible for it, with that person’s residence and the street and number, if any, appear in the paid matter in the nature of a signature. The matter inserted in reading columns shall be preceded by or followed by the word “advertisement” in a separate line, in type not smaller than that of the body type of the newspaper or other periodical.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 457, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-2. - Signature of posters, fliers, and circulars.

§ 17-23-2. Signature of posters, fliers, and circulars.
No person shall intentionally write, print, post, or distribute, or cause to be written, printed, posted, or distributed, a circular, flier, or poster designed or tending to injure or defeat any candidate for nomination or election to any public office, by criticizing the candidate’s personal character or political action, or designed or tending to aid, injure, or defeat any question submitted to the voters, unless there appears upon the circular, flier, or poster in a conspicuous place the name of the author and either the names of the chairperson and secretary, or of two (2) officers, of the political or other organization issuing the poster, flier, or circular, or of some voter who is responsible for it, with the voter’s name and residence, and the street and numbers, if any.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 457, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 282, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-3. - Penalty for advertising violations.

§ 17-23-3. Penalty for advertising violations.
Whoever violates any provision of § 17-23-1 or § 17-23-2 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 457, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-4. - Fraudulent or repeat voting.

§ 17-23-4. Fraudulent or repeat voting.
Every person who, in any election, fraudulently votes or attempts to vote, not being qualified, notwithstanding that person’s name may be on the voting list at the polling place where the person votes or attempts to vote; or who votes or attempts to vote in the name of some other person, whether that name is that of a person living or dead, or of a fictitious person; or having voted in one town, ward, senatorial district, representative district, or voting district, whether the person’s vote in that case was legal or not, votes or attempts to vote in the same or in another town, ward, senatorial district, representative district, or voting district; or who fraudulently votes or attempts to vote in a town, ward, senatorial district, representative district, or voting district other than in the town, ward, senatorial district, representative district, or voting district in which the person has his or her “residence”, as defined in § 17-1-3.1, at the time of his or her voting or attempting to vote; or who aids, counsels, or procures any other person to so vote or attempt to vote, shall be guilty of a felony, and no person after conviction of this offense, shall be permitted to vote in any election or upon any proposition pending before the people, or to hold any public office. Voting, for the purposes of this chapter, shall consist in the casting of a vote, or attempting to cast a vote, whether or not the vote has been cast.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1907, ch. 1426, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 20, § 2; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 23; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-5. - Bribery or intimidation of voters — Immunity of witnesses in bribery trials.

§ 17-23-5. Bribery or intimidation of voters — Immunity of witnesses in bribery trials.
Every person who directly or indirectly gives, or offers to agree to give, to any elector or to any person for the benefit of any elector, any sum of money or other valuable consideration for the purpose of inducing the elector to give in or withhold that elector’s vote at any election in this state, or by way of reward for having voted or withheld that elector’s vote, or who uses any threat or employs any means of intimidation for the purpose of influencing the elector to vote or withhold that elector’s vote for or against any candidate or candidates or proposition pending at an election, shall be guilty of a felony, and no person after conviction of this offense, shall be permitted to vote in any election or upon any proposition pending before the people, or to hold any public office; and no evidence given by any witness testifying upon the trial of any charge of bribery shall be used against the person giving the evidence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 14, § 3; P.L. 1907, ch. 1428, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 20, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 3; P.L. 1936 (s.s.), ch. 2468, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-6. - Improper influence by employers.

§ 17-23-6. Improper influence by employers.
(a)
Every person being an employer who, within ninety (90) days of a general election, pays any of his or her employees the salary or wages due them in “pay envelopes” upon which there is written or printed, or in which there is inserted: (1) a notice or information, to the effect that if any particular ticket or candidate is elected or defeated, work in the employer’s place or establishment will cease, in whole or in part, or the employer’s establishment will be closed, or the wages of the employer’s employees will be reduced, or (2) any political motto, device, or argument containing threats, expressed or implied, intended or calculated to influence the political actions or opinions of the employees, or who puts up or otherwise exhibits, in the employer’s establishment or place where the employer’s employees are engaged in labor, any handbill or placard containing any such notice or information or threat, shall be guilty of a felony.
(b)
Any person, after conviction of this offense, shall forfeit that person’s right to vote in any election or upon any proposition before the people, or to hold any public office, except that a corporation shall forfeit its charter; and no evidence given by any witness testifying in the trial of any charge of violation of this section shall be used against the person giving the evidence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 3; P.L. 1936 (s.s.), ch. 2468, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-7. - Protection of names of major parties.

§ 17-23-7. Protection of names of major parties.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any club or society or association, whether incorporated or not, to include in its name the word “republican” or “democrat” or any designation indicating its affiliation with a political party, unless:
(1)
If it is state or congressional district wide in its membership or activities, it has the written consent for the inclusion of the state central committee of the republican or democratic party, as the case may be;
(2)
If it is city or town wide in its membership or activities, it has the written consent for the inclusion of the city or town committee of the republican or democratic party, as the case may be, of the city or town in which its activities are or are to be centered;
(3)
If it is ward or voting district wide in its membership or activities, it has a written consent for the inclusion of the ward committee of the republican or democratic party, as the case may be, of the ward in which its activities are or are to be centered;
(4)
If it is senatorial or representative district wide in its membership or activities, it has the written consent for the inclusion of the district committee of the republican or democratic party, as the case may be, of the senatorial or representative district, as the case may be, in which its activities are or are to be centered.
(b)
Every member and every officer of any club, society, or association, whether incorporated or not, violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
(c)
Upon the written request of one member of the committee from which consent for the inclusion should have been obtained as provided in this section, the attorney general shall institute appropriate court proceedings to prevent continued violations of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1714, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, §§ 6, 7; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 23; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-8. - Failure to furnish certificate of election.

§ 17-23-8. Failure to furnish certificate of election.
Every city or town clerk or local board required by law to furnish any city, town, ward, or voting district officer elect with a proper certificate of the officer’s election who neglects or refuses to do so, as soon as possible after the election, shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 829, § 28; G.L. 1909, ch. 10, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 10, § 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-9. - Violations as to nomination papers or withdrawals — Protection of party emblems.

§ 17-23-9. Violations as to nomination papers or withdrawals — Protection of party emblems.
Any person who falsely makes, or willfully defaces or destroys, any certificate of nomination or nomination paper, or any part of it, or any letter of withdrawal, or files any certificate of nomination or nomination paper or letter of withdrawal, knowing it or any part of it to be falsely made, or suppresses any certificate of nomination or nomination paper or letter of withdrawal, or any part of it, which has been duly filed, and any person or persons who prints, stamps, or affixes, or causes to be printed, stamped, or affixed, upon any letterhead, circular, or pamphlet used for political purposes, or upon political literature of any nature, a representation of the chosen emblem or device of any political party in this state without having first obtained the consent, in writing, of the chairperson of the state central committee of the political party whose chosen emblem or device is sought to be used for these purposes, shall be guilty of a felony.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 45; P.L. 1905, ch. 1229, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 50; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 49; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-10. - Violations by public officers generally.

§ 17-23-10. Violations by public officers generally.
Any public officer, upon whom a duty is imposed by this title, who willfully neglects to perform his or her duty, or who performs it in a way that hinders the objects of this title, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 46; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 51; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 50; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-10; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-11. - Limitation of prosecutions — Payment to complainant.

§ 17-23-11. Limitation of prosecutions — Payment to complainant.
All prosecutions for offenses against the provisions of this chapter shall commence within one year after the offenses have been committed, and not afterwards. And upon the presentation of a certificate of the clerk of any court of the final conviction in the court of any person under the provisions of this chapter, the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her order on the general treasurer for the sum of fifty dollars ($50), and deliver the sum to the person complainant in the prosecution.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 14, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 20, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-11; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-12. - Qualification of person obtaining signatures.

§ 17-23-12. Qualification of person obtaining signatures.
(a)
No person, except one qualified to sign a petition for the adoption of a home rule charter as provided in § 6 of article XIII of the Constitution of this state, shall circulate any petition, or obtain signatures on any petition, and any petition circulated, or any signature obtained, by any unqualified person shall be null and void for all purposes.
(b)
Nor shall any person not qualified as provided in subsection (a) of this section, obtain signatures on nomination papers of any elector seeking to be a candidate at any election held for the purpose of selecting the members of a charter commission, and any signature appearing on any nomination paper which has been obtained by one not qualified shall be null and void for all purposes.
(c)
Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor; and any person who, knowing that he or she is not qualified pursuant to the Constitution, willfully signs any petition for the adoption of a home rule charter, or the nomination papers of any candidate for a position on a charter commission, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 77.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-13. - Sound equipment.

§ 17-23-13. Sound equipment.
No sound equipment advocating the election or defeat of any candidate or the approval or disapproval of any referenda shall be allowed within five hundred (500) feet of any polling place.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 200, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-14. - Political advertising.

§ 17-23-14. Political advertising.
No newspaper, periodical, radio, or television station shall charge for a political advertisement a sum greater than that charged by the medium for advertisement if it were nonpolitical. The attorney general shall enforce the provisions of this section and, upon conviction, a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) shall be imposed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-15. - Polling or surveying of voter opinion.

§ 17-23-15. Polling or surveying of voter opinion.
(a)
No person shall conduct any form of poll or survey of voter opinion or voter conduct within a building or within fifty (50) feet of the entrance or entrances to a building in which voting is being conducted at any primary or election; provided, that nothing in this section shall be deemed to apply to or to affect the activities of election officials or election inspectors, or “checkers”, “runners”, and “watchers” as defined in § 17-19-22.
(b)
Notice of this section shall be posted in a conspicuous place at all polling places.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 440, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 192, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-16. - Guaranteed access in exchange for contributions prohibited.

§ 17-23-16. Guaranteed access in exchange for contributions prohibited.
As defined in § 17-2-1, no general officer and no candidate for a general office shall solicit campaign contributions by guaranteeing to all contributors of a specified minimum amount of money, as a quid pro quo for their contributions, the right to meet with the general officer or candidate on a predetermined number of occasions. The phrase “the right to meet” shall not be construed to include the holding of a one time public fundraising event at which the general officer or candidate is present.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-17. - Violations with respect to elections.

§ 17-23-17. Violations with respect to elections.
(a)
Any person is guilty of a felony who:
(1)
Makes a declaration of candidacy or obtains, circulates, or causes to be circulated his or her nomination papers for an office, knowing or with good reason to know that he or she is not qualified as provided in this title to be his or her party’s candidate for the office;
(2)
Knowingly or without reasonable and proper investigation makes any substantial misstatement in any declaration of candidacy, nomination paper, or affidavit provided for in this title;
(3)
Signs a nomination paper when he or she knows that he or she is not qualified to sign;
(4)
Votes or attempts to vote at any election when he or she knows or should know that he or she is not qualified to vote;
(5)
Votes or attempts to vote more than once at any election, or votes or attempts to vote in more than one political party’s primary on the same day;
(6)
Votes or attempts to vote at any election under the name of any other person;
(7)
Willfully hinders the orderly conduct of any election;
(8)
Gives a false answer to any election official relative to his or her right to vote at the election;
(9)
Aids or abets a person not entitled to vote at any election in voting or attempting to vote under a name other than the voter’s name or in voting twice upon the voter’s name;
(10)
Willfully alters or makes any change, erasure, or additional check upon the voting list used or to be used at any election; or
(11)
Willfully violates any provisions of chapters 12 — 15 of this title for which violation a specific penalty is not provided.
(b)
Any person who unlawfully and knowingly signs the name of any other person on any nomination papers shall be guilty of a felony.
(c)
Any public officer or officer of a political party who willfully violates any of the provisions of chapters 12 — 15 of this title, or refuses or willfully neglects and omits to perform, in the manner and within the time prescribed, any duty imposed upon the officer by these chapters, or suffers or permits any alteration, erasure, or additional check to be made upon a voting list in the officer’s custody or control, shall be guilty of a felony.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 147, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 139, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-18. - Political advertising from official budgets prohibited.

§ 17-23-18. Political advertising from official budgets prohibited.
(a)
Except in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this section, no elected official shall permit the expenditure of public funds from any official budget under his or her authority for any publication, advertisement, broadcast, or telecast of his or her photograph, voice, or other likeness to be broadcast or distributed to the public during the one hundred and twenty (120) days preceding any primary or general election in which he or she is a candidate.
(b)
This section shall not be construed to prohibit an official from appearing on regular capitol television programming operated by the general assembly or on television stations operated by the Rhode Island PBS Foundation during the period of time or programming of regular or special meetings of city or town councils or any local governmental board, agency or other entity.
(c)
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the publication, broadcast, or telecast of any photograph, voice, or other likeness of an elected official that is distributed to the public by or through an official government website or social media presence provided that the website or social media presence is continuously maintained in the regular course of official government business exclusively for general informational or transparency purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 241, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 311, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 7, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 302, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-23 - Election Offenses › Section 17-23-19. - Referenda advertisements.

§ 17-23-19. Referenda advertisements.
Media outlets in Rhode Island that sell time for advertisements pertaining to referenda questions at an election shall require the purchasers of the advertisements to prominently display the state in which the referenda election is to be held.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-24 - Compelling Performance of Election Duties › Section 17-24-1. - Mandamus by supreme court — Replacement of officer refusing to obey.

§ 17-24-1. Mandamus by supreme court — Replacement of officer refusing to obey.
Whenever any person upon whom is imposed any duty connected with the calling, warning, or conducting of any town, ward, or district meeting, or with the canvassing of the lists of voters for use at these meetings, or with the counting of the votes cast at the meetings, or the declaring of the result of the votes, fails, neglects, or refuses to perform his or her duty within the time specified by law for its performance, the supreme court shall immediately, upon the petition of any citizen of the city or town where the failure, neglect, or refusal occurred, issue its writ of mandamus ordering the person failing, neglecting, or refusing to perform the duties in question within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the issuance of the writ; and if the failure, neglect, or refusal continues beyond the twenty-four (24) hours specified in the writ, the court shall immediately appoint some suitable person to at once perform the duties, and the person refusing to obey the writ of mandamus shall, in addition to the penalties by law for the failure, neglect, or refusal to perform his or her duties, be liable to those further penalties for contempt of court that the court may impose for failure to obey the writ.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 14, § 5; C.P.A. 1905, § 1226; G.L. 1909, ch. 20, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 19, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 326, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-24-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.