reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-10 - Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors › Section 17-10-22. - Certified copies of lists of persons voting.

§ 17-10-22. Certified copies of lists of persons voting.
Every clerk of a local board, upon payment or tender of his or her legal fees, shall furnish to any one demanding it a certified copy of any list of voters whose votes have been given in any election.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 7, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 7, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 7, § 25; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 7, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 17-10-47; G.L. 1956, § 17-10-26; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 203, § 1: G.L., § 17-10-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-10 - Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors › Section 17-10-23. - Certified copies of registration records.

§ 17-10-23. Certified copies of registration records.
Every clerk of a local board shall, upon payment or tender, furnish to any person demanding it a certified copy of any registration of voters, and every town clerk shall also, upon request of any person and tender of legal fees, and without any unreasonable delay, examine the records and certify to the estate of any person, and shall furnish copies of any instrument or writing which may be on record or in the files of his or her office.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 7, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 7, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 7, § 26; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 7, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 17-10-48; G.L. 1956, § 17-10-27; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 203, § 1; G.L., § 17-10-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-10 - Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors › Section 17-10-24 - — 17-10-27. Repealed.

§ 17-10-24 — 17-10-27. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 7, §§ 6, 14, 15, 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 7, §§ 6, 14, 15, 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 7, §§ 19, 27 — 29; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 7, §§ 19, 27 — 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, §§ 20, 28 — 30; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-10-49 — 17-10-52; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-10-28 — 17-10-31; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; G.L., §§ 17-10-24 — 17-10-27; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 7; P.L. 1978, ch. 203, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1981, ch. 312, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-1.1. - Combination of voting districts for special election.

§ 17-11-1.1. Combination of voting districts for special election.
(a)
The board of canvassers of any city or town at which there shall be submitted to the voters a question or questions for their approval or rejection or at which officials will be elected, shall have the authority to combine two (2) or more voting districts, when in its judgment the combination is advisable. The board may by unanimous vote make such designation for any special election, but only upon the approval of the board of elections.
(b)
If voting districts are combined as provided in subsection (a), the local board must advertise the combination of districts in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or town no less than seven (7) days and no more than twenty-one (21) days before the special election.
(c)
[Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 69, § 1 and P.L. 2019, ch. 79, § 1.]
(d)
[Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 250, § 1 and P.L. 2023, ch. 251, § 1.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7; P.L. 1986, ch. 362, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 151, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 74; P.L. 2003, ch. 23, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 352, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 5, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 4, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 69, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 250, § 1, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-2. - Notice of division or redivision of districts.

§ 17-11-2. Notice of division or redivision of districts.
The local boards, upon the dividing or redividing of a senatorial or representative district, shall give public notice of what senatorial or representative districts have been divided or redivided into voting districts by publication in some newspaper having a general circulation in the city or town, and shall post, for a period of forty (40) days, a map in the office of the board or in the town clerk’s office showing the lines of the voting districts, and shall at all times keep the map on file in their respective offices.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951 (s.s.), ch. 2870, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-3 - — 17-11-5. Repealed.

§ 17-11-3 — 17-11-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, §§ 3, 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, §§ 3, 5; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, §§ 35, 36; P.L. 1911, ch. 677, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1038, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, §§ 3, 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, §§ 3, 4; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 1; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-11-4, 17-11-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 14, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7; P.L. 1988, ch. 630, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2009, ch. 225, § 1, effective November 9, 2009.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-6. - Appointment of district moderators and clerks in cities or towns.

§ 17-11-6. Appointment of district moderators and clerks in cities or towns.
(a)
All district clerks and district moderators in each of Rhode Island’s towns shall be appointed by the local canvassing authority of each municipality at least thirty-five (35) days before any election or district or town meeting.
The appointment of the district clerks and moderators shall be from a list of not less than ten (10) registered voters submitted by the chairpersons of the local political town committees. Each town committee chairperson shall submit said names at least fifteen (15) days prior to the appointment date as set by the local canvassing board.
If the local chairpersons fail to submit a list of names as provided herein, the appointments shall be made by the local board of canvassers from the voting list of the town.
The appointed district clerk and district moderator of a polling place shall not be of the same political party.
(b)
Any district moderator or district clerk elected to office in the 2008 general election shall continue to serve in his/her position through the conclusion of his/her term, but in no event later than December 31, 2010.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 3; P.L. 1911, ch. 677, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1038, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 3; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 225, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-7. - Repealed.

§ 17-11-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1900, ch. 798, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 3; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 35; P.L. 1911, ch. 677, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1038, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 3; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 14, § 1; P.L. 1964, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 41, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 311, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 26, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2009, ch. 225, § 1, effective November 9, 2009.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-7.1. - Pool of election officials.

§ 17-11-7.1. Pool of election officials.
Notwithstanding any other general law to the contrary, local boards are authorized to create a pool of election officials who shall be available to fill vacancies wherever needed. These election officials shall have the same training and duties as regular election officials, but shall not be restricted to being electors of the voting district to which they may be assigned, but must be electors of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 351, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 352, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-7.2. - Repealed.

§ 17-11-7.2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 451, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2009, ch. 225, § 1, effective November 9, 2009.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-8. - Qualifications of moderators and clerks — Vacancies.

§ 17-11-8. Qualifications of moderators and clerks — Vacancies.
The moderators and clerks shall each be able to read the Constitution of the state in the English language, and to write their names. Every person appointed as a moderator or clerk shall immediately be notified of his or her appointment and shall, within five (5) days of his or her appointment, accept or decline the appointment, and shall be, at least three (3) days prior to the election, sworn to the faithful discharge of his or her duties by some member of the board making the appointment. In case any appointed person neglects to qualify or is unable or fails to serve, the vacancy shall be filled by the board making the appointment, and the appointee shall be, whenever possible, of the same political affiliation as the person failing to qualify, and shall, before serving, qualify before some member of the board.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 3; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 35; P.L. 1911, ch. 677, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1038, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 3; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-9. - Election of moderator or clerk pro tempore.

§ 17-11-9. Election of moderator or clerk pro tempore.
(a)
In case of the absence of the moderator or of the clerk of any town meeting, of a town not divided into voting districts, the town meeting may elect a moderator or clerk pro tempore, and the town clerk shall preside at the election of the moderator.
(b)
In case of the absence of the moderator or of the clerk of a voting district in a town not divided into senatorial or representative districts, the voting district meeting may elect a moderator or clerk pro tempore, and the clerk shall preside in the election of a moderator. At least five (5) electors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing the moderator or clerk pro tempore.
(c)
In case of the absence of the moderator or of the clerk of a senatorial or representative district or of a voting district in a senatorial or representative district divided into voting districts, the district meeting may elect a moderator or clerk pro tempore, and the clerk shall preside in the election of a moderator. At least five (5) electors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing the moderator or clerk pro tempore.
(d)
The elected officer shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his or her duties by any person authorized to administer oaths, and shall hold office in the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Warwick, Cranston, Woonsocket, and Newport, and in the towns of Barrington, Middletown, and Warren, until a moderator or clerk is appointed by the local board respectively and in all other cities and towns until the election and qualification of the officer’s successor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 10; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 38; P.L. 1912, ch. 850, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 7; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-10. - Filling of vacancies by town council.

§ 17-11-10. Filling of vacancies by town council.
In case of the death, resignation, or permanent disability of the moderator of any town, or of the moderator or clerk of any senatorial or representative district, except in the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Warwick, Cranston, Woonsocket, and Newport, or of any voting district in any town, except the towns of Barrington, Middletown, and Warren, not divided into senatorial or representative districts, the town council may fill the vacancy from the list of registered voters submitted by the party chairperson under whose party designation the moderator or clerk had been elected. In the absence of a submitted list, or, if the person, when elected, was not affiliated with any party, the town council may make its choice from the list of registered voters.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 11; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 8; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041, § 1; P.L. 1949, ch. 2391, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-10; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-11. - Selection of wardens and clerks in cities.

§ 17-11-11. Selection of wardens and clerks in cities.
At least thirty-five (35) days before any election, the local board in each city shall appoint for each polling place within the city where an election is to be held a warden and clerk, not from the same political party. The appointments shall be made from a list of not less than ten (10) registered voters presented to the board by the city or town committees of the political parties at least forty-five (45) days before any election.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 32; P.L. 1940, ch. 819, § 3; P.L. 1944, ch. 1474, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-11; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-12. - Qualifications of election officials — Vacancies.

§ 17-11-12. Qualifications of election officials — Vacancies.
Election officials shall, whenever possible, be qualified electors in the city, town, senatorial or representative district, or voting district in which they are appointed to serve, and shall severally be able to read the Constitution of the state in the English language and to write their names. Every person appointed as a warden, clerk, moderator, or supervisor shall, within forty-eight (48) hours thereafter, be notified in writing by the clerk of the local board of the appointment; and the person appointed shall, within five (5) days of his or her appointment, notify the clerk in writing of that person’s acceptance or declination of the appointment, and any vacancy occurring among these election officials, whether by declination or refusal to serve or by failure to notify the clerk, or by failure from any cause to appear at or remain during the time when they are required to perform their duties, shall be immediately filled by the local board, or by its presiding officer if the board is not in session, from the lists provided for in § 17-11-10. Each of these election officials shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his or her duties before entering upon the performance of his duties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 32; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 35; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 34; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 32; P.L. 1940, ch. 819, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951 (s.s.), ch. 2870, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-12; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-12.1. - High school election officials.

§ 17-11-12.1. High school election officials.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other general law to the contrary, and in order to provide for a greater awareness of the elections process, the rights and responsibilities of voters and the importance of participating in the electoral process, as well as to provide additional workers, an elections official may appoint not more than five (5) students per ward, and/or precinct to serve under the direct supervision of ward, and/or precinct board members designated by the elections official. A student may be appointed, notwithstanding lack of eligibility to vote, subject to the approval of the educational institution in which the student is enrolled, if the student possesses the following qualifications:
(1)
Is at least sixteen (16) years of age at the time of the election to which he or she is serving as a member of a ward, and/or precinct board.
(2)
Is a United States citizen or will be a citizen at the time of the election to which he or she is serving as a member of a ward, and/or precinct board.
(3)
Is a student in good standing attending a public or private secondary educational institution.
(4)
Is a junior or senior and has a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
(b)
A student appointed pursuant to this section may not be used to tally votes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 318, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 481, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 231, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 408, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 95.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-13. - Appointment and compensation of supervisors.

§ 17-11-13. Appointment and compensation of supervisors.
(a)
The local board of each city and town, at least thirty-five (35) days before each election, shall appoint two (2) pairs of supervisors for each polling place, each pair of which shall not be comprised of two (2) persons from the same political party. Supervisors shall, if possible, be appointed from a list of eligible voters presented and employed in the same manner as provided by this chapter for the appointment of wardens and clerks.
(b)
The local board may, in its discretion, or upon the direction of the state board appoint one or more additional supervisors for any polling place whenever and so long as the appointment is, in the judgment of either board, necessary to facilitate the conduct of an election.
(c)
The supervisors of elections in all cities and towns shall severally receive compensation for their services at the minimum rate of sixty dollars ($60) per day.
(d)
The local board may adopt a plan for some or all supervisors to work a half-day at half-pay if the plan is consistent with the provisions of this section and is approved by the state board.
(e)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) above, the local board of a city or town may, upon written approval of the board of elections, reduce the number of supervisors at polling places within their jurisdiction.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 32; P.L. 1900, ch. 798, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, §§ 35, 37; G.L., ch. 11, §§ 35, 38; P.L. 1901, ch. 640, §§ 18, 21; P.L. 1919, ch. 1734, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, §§ 34, 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, §§ 32, 33; P.L. 1940, ch. 819, §§ 3, 6; P.L. 1944, ch. 1474, § 1; P.L. 1951 (s.s.), ch. 2870, § 18; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-11-11, 17-11-13; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-13; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1964, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 291, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 425, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 523, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-14. - Supervision of all elections on same day.

§ 17-11-14. Supervision of all elections on same day.
Whenever any city or town elections occur on the same day as an election for national or state officers in any city or town, the supervisors appointed pursuant to § 17-11-13 shall be the supervisors for all of the elections.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 34; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 38; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-14; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-15. - Persons ineligible to serve as election officials.

§ 17-11-15. Persons ineligible to serve as election officials.
No person shall be appointed or serve as an election official who has been convicted, found guilty, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, or placed on a deferred or suspended sentence, or on probation, for any crime which involves moral turpitude or which constitutes a violation of any of the election or caucus laws of this or any other state. No person shall be disqualified simply because he or she is a notary public. No candidate for any office to be filled at any election shall be appointed at the election as an election official. Every election official shall make an affidavit before some member of the proper board of canvassers, to the effect that he or she is not disqualified by reason of the provisions of this section; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to moderators and town clerks.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 35; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 40; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 35; P.L. 1940, ch. 819, §§ 3, 6; P.L. 1944, ch. 1474, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-15; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 99, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 264, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 203, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-16. - Supervision of adjourned elections.

§ 17-11-16. Supervision of adjourned elections.
In the event that a second, adjourned, or subsequent election is held in accordance with the provisions of this title, the same supervisors of election who acted at the first election shall act at the second or adjourned or other subsequent election, and shall have and exercise the same powers and duties at the second or adjourned or other subsequent election as are prescribed by this title for them to have and exercise at the first election; and the supervisors shall perform the same duties as in the first election.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 50; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 55; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 54; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-16; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-11 - Voting Districts and Officials › Section 17-11-17. - Telephone — Polling place.

§ 17-11-17. Telephone — Polling place.
If there is a telephone within a polling place, then the owner of the building in which the polling place is located shall allow use of the telephone for official business by the warden, clerk, and state inspector during the period beginning one hour before the opening of the polling place and ending one hour after the closing of the polling place. The local board of canvassers shall be required to reimburse the owner of the building for that portion of any telephone bill resulting from the use of the telephone by any of the election officials mentioned in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 283, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-1. - Selection of state committees.

§ 17-12-1. Selection of state committees.
Party state committees shall be selected in the manner provided by statute or party rule. Any party may, by a duly enacted party rule, elect to choose the members of its party state committee pursuant to the provisions of chapter 15 of this title or by any other method agreeable to the party state committee; provided, that where the method of selecting party state committee now in force is by caucus, selection shall subsequently be made at a primary election pursuant to the provisions of chapter 15 of this title until another method of selection is adopted by the party state committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 3A; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-2; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-2. - Composition and powers of state committees.

§ 17-12-2. Composition and powers of state committees.
The state committee of a political party shall be composed as determined by the party. It shall have:
(1)
General oversight of all conventions of its party;
(2)
Power to make rules not inconsistent with law for the guidance and control of all the political committees of its party;
(3)
Power to make a final nomination for any state office for which no primary nomination has been made and any local office for which no nomination has been made by any authorized city, town, ward, or district committee or any duly authorized subcommittee; provided, that the state committee shall not be permitted, more than twenty-four (24) hours after the deadline for the filing of declarations of candidacy, to make a nomination for any office upon the failure of a candidate of that party to file for that public office. Nominations for such office shall be filed in the same location as the declaration of candidacy for such office pursuant to the requirements of § 17-14-1 of the general laws. Individuals nominated under this section must have been eligible for the nomination on the dates as required by and pursuant to the requirements of §§ 17-14-1.1, 17-14-2 and 17-14-2.1 of the general laws and must then meet the respective requirements for filing sufficient nomination papers set forth in chapter 14; and
(4)
Power to fill vacancies in its own membership and as provided in chapter 15 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 4; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-3; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 363, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 350, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-2.1. - Political party state committee rules or bylaws.

§ 17-12-2.1. Political party state committee rules or bylaws.
(a)
All political party state committee rules or bylaws and any amendments to them must be filed with the state board of elections within thirty (30) days of their adoption.
(b)
If a political party duly adopts a rule or bylaw consistent with state law relating to or affecting the conduct of an election held pursuant to this title, as determined by the board of elections, this rule or bylaw shall not affect any election which occurs less than one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of filing of any rule or bylaw with the state board of elections.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 139, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 71.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-3. - Delegation of powers by state committee.

§ 17-12-3. Delegation of powers by state committee.
The state committee of a political party may delegate its authority, by rules or resolutions, to its executive committee, or any duly selected subcommittee of the executive committee, to act when the entire committee is not in session.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 4; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2563, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-4; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-4. - Endorsements by state committee.

§ 17-12-4. Endorsements by state committee.
The state committee or the executive committee or any duly selected subcommittee of the executive committee acting under delegated authority may, when the town or district committee has failed or neglected to do so, within twenty-four (24) weekday hours of the failure, endorse and notify the local board of endorsement, if any, of the local candidates to be voted on in the primary. It shall also notify the secretary of state of the endorsement, if any, of any candidate to be voted for by the state at large; provided, that the endorsement of any candidate for representative in congress shall be by the members of the state committee who shall be from that particular congressional district. It shall also notify the secretary of state of the endorsement, if any, of any candidate for state senator or state representative. The endorsement shall be filed with the secretary of state not later than four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on the second day after the final day for filing declarations of candidacy. In the event the state committee, or the executive committee or any duly selected subcommittee of the executive committee acting under delegated authority, fails or neglects to endorse, then all party candidates shall be issued nomination papers without endorsement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 4; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2563, § 1; P.L. 1952, ch. 2923, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-5; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 3; P.L. 1993, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-5. - Acting in other contingencies.

§ 17-12-5. Acting in other contingencies.
Any other contingency that arises pursuant to the provisions of the statutes with respect to the election of candidates for state or town office at any general, primary, or special election shall be met by the vote of the state committee, or the executive committee, or any duly selected subcommittee of the executive committee, of a political party, or by the state chairperson of the political party if so authorized. If any contingency arises under the provisions of the statutes with respect to the election of candidates for city office at any general, primary, or special election, it shall be met by vote of the city committee of a political party or the executive committee of the city committee or any duly elected subcommittee of the executive committee, or by the city chairperson of the political party if so authorized. For the purposes of this section, the term “contingency” means and includes the nonexistence of any required party committee, the failure of any existing party committee to act, an adjudication that a primary election is void, and the death, incapacity, or moving from the jurisdiction of a party’s nominee prior to a general or special election. This section shall apply notwithstanding any provision of chapter 17 of this title to the contrary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 4; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2563, § 1; P.L. 1952, ch. 2923, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-6; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 36, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-6. - Election of town and ward committees.

§ 17-12-6. Election of town and ward committees.
The party voters of each political party in each ward of each of the cities of the state shall, biennially, in every even year, at the primary election held to nominate party candidates, elect a ward committee for each ward; provided, that the ward committees in the city of Providence shall be elected quadrennially, and the party voters of each political party in each of the towns of the state shall, biennially at the primary election, elect a town committee for the town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 5; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-7; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 35, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 149, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 74.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-6.1. - Composition of town committees in Johnston.

§ 17-12-6.1. Composition of town committees in Johnston.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 17-12-6 and 17-12-7, the town committees of the town of Johnston shall consist of twenty-five (25) members; five (5) each to be elected from the qualified electors of the five (5) council districts of the town comprising the respective candidates from each district receiving the most votes in each district. The five (5) members elected from each district shall constitute a council district committee, which shall organize and endorse the council and school committee candidates from each district. The town committee shall elect a chairperson and provide the endorsement for the party candidate for mayor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 96, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-7. - Composition of city and district committees — Appointment.

§ 17-12-7. Composition of city and district committees — Appointment.
The members of the several ward committees in each city of the same political party shall constitute the city committee of the political party for that city. For each of the political parties, there shall be a senatorial district committee for each senatorial district to consist of five (5) members where the senatorial district is contained within a single city or town, and to consist of seven (7) members where the senatorial district includes all or parts of two (2) or more cities or towns. Senatorial district committee members shall, in the first instance, be appointed by the chairperson of the state committee of the party. There shall be a representative district committee for each representative district to consist of three (3) members where the representative district is contained within a single city or town, and to consist of five (5) members where the representative district includes all or parts of two (2) or more cities or towns. Representative district committee members shall, in the first instance, be appointed by the chairperson of the state committee of the party. The senatorial and representative district committee members shall be qualified electors of their respective districts and shall hold office respectively from the date of their appointment and until the next election of the committees, and thereafter until their successors have been elected, qualified, and organized.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 4, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-8. - Qualifications and terms of committee members.

§ 17-12-8. Qualifications and terms of committee members.
(a)
No member of a ward, town, or district committee shall hold or continue to hold membership on the ward, town, or district committee, unless that member is a qualified elector of the ward, town, or district.
(b)
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, ward, district, town, and city committee members shall hold office, respectively, from the date of their election until the next election of the committees, and thereafter until their successors has been duly elected, qualified, and organized.
(c)
Candidates for ward, town, or district committee members shall file declarations of candidacy biennially, in every even year, in accordance with § 17-14-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 5; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-9; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-9. - Organization of city, town, and district committees — Officers — Lists of officers and members.

§ 17-12-9. Organization of city, town, and district committees — Officers — Lists of officers and members.
(a)
All city, town, and district committees shall organize biennially in the month of January in every odd year; provided, that the city committee of the city of Providence shall organize quadrennially.
(b)
Each city committee organized under this section may elect not exceeding three (3) officers outside its membership from among the voters of the same political party in the city, and the officers shall, by virtue of their election, become members of the city committee and shall hold office until the next organization meeting of the committee.
(c)
Each city committee, town committee, and district committee, within ten (10) days after its organization, shall file with the secretary of state and with the local board a list of its officers and members.
(d)
The chairperson of the city committee of each political party in the city of Providence shall appoint the members of a ward committee for each of the several wards of the city of Providence. These appointed ward committee members shall hold office until their successors shall have been duly elected, qualified, and organized.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 6; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-10; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 35, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 405, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 74.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-9.1. - Members of ward committees for the city of East Providence.

§ 17-12-9.1. Members of ward committees for the city of East Providence.
The chairperson of the East Providence city committee for each political party shall appoint the members of a ward committee for each of the several wards of the city of East Providence. These appointed ward committee members shall hold office until their successors shall have been duly elected, qualified, and organized.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 432, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-10. - Rules and management by city, town, and district committees.

§ 17-12-10. Rules and management by city, town, and district committees.
City, town, and district committees of each political party may make rules not inconsistent with the rules of the state committee, and except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the general management of the affairs of each political party in the respective cities, towns, and districts shall be vested in the city, town, or district committee, respectively, subject to all state committee rules.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 6; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-11; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-10; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-11. - Endorsement by local committees.

§ 17-12-11. Endorsement by local committees.
(a)(1)
Each town, ward, and city committee shall file with the appropriate local board the list of candidates in the town, ward, or city which have the endorsement of the committees.
(2)
Endorsements by town, ward, and city committees shall be signed by three (3) officers of the committee.
(b)(1)
Each district committee shall file with the board of canvassers of the city or town of residence of the senatorial or representative candidate endorsed, except that if the candidate is a resident of Providence the endorsement shall be filed with the secretary of state, the list of candidates in the district which have the endorsement of the committee.
(2)
Endorsements by district committees shall be signed by a majority of those members presently on the committee.
(c)
Endorsements shall be filed with the appropriate local board or the secretary of state, as the case may be, not later than four o’clock (4:00) p.m. of the day after the last day for filing declarations of candidacy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 6; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 5; P.L. 1952, ch. 2923, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-12; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-11; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 286, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-12. - Vacancies in district committees.

§ 17-12-12. Vacancies in district committees.
(a)
In the event that the candidates elected to a district committee from a district do not equal the number of party committee members to which the district is entitled to be represented under provisions of § 17-12-7, a vacancy or vacancies exist to the extent of the difference between the number of elected members and the number of members by which the district is entitled to be represented. When the vacancy or vacancies exist, they shall be filled by the committee to which insufficient members were elected, in the manner provided for in this section.
(b)
In the event of the appointment or election to a committee of an ineligible person, or whenever any member of the committee dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated to act, or removes from the jurisdiction of the committee, or ceases to be a member of the political party, a vacancy exists which shall be filled by appointment by the committee in which the ineligibility or vacancy occurs. The removal of residence by an elected or appointment member of a committee from the district from which he or she has been elected or appointed a member of that committee shall constitute his or her resignation from the committee.
(c)
Any vacancy occurring in any of the officers and/or membership of the district committees shall be filled by the remaining members of the committee. A statement of that action by any committee shall be filed with the secretary of state and with the local board.
(d)
If any vacancy occurs with respect to the membership of a district committee, and the vacancy is not filled within forty-five (45) days of the date of notice of the vacancy to the remaining members of the committee, the vacancy shall be filled by the state committee of the political party involved, the executive committee of the state committee or any duly elected subcommittee of the executive committee or by the state chairperson of the political party if so authorized. A statement of that action shall be filed with the secretary of state and with the local board.
(e)
In the event a district committee shall not organize or reorganize pursuant to § 17-12-9, the incumbent senator or representative, or the state committee chairperson in the case of the party not affiliated with the senator or representative, shall appoint a district committee which shall be the lawful district committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 6; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-13; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-12; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-12.1. - Vacancies in city or ward committees.

§ 17-12-12.1. Vacancies in city or ward committees.
(a)
Any vacancy occurring in any of the offices and/or membership of city, town, or ward committees shall be filled by the remaining members of the committee. A statement of that action by any committee shall be filed as in the case of officers and members first chosen.
(b)
If any vacancy occurs either with respect to any office of a city or ward committee or with respect to the membership of any city or ward committee, and the vacancy is not filled within forty-five (45) days of the date upon which the vacancy occurs pursuant to the provisions of § 17-12-12, the vacancy shall be filled by the city committee of the political party involved or the executive committee of the city committee or any duly elected subcommittee of the executive committee or by the city chairperson of the political party if so authorized. The committee shall file a statement setting forth the appointment or appointments as in the case of officers and members first chosen in accordance with § 17-12-11.
(c)
A statement of that action by any committee shall be filed as in the case of officers and members first chosen in accordance with § 17-12-11.
(d)
The removal of residence by an elected or appointment member of a ward committee from the ward from which he or she has been elected or appointed shall constitute his or her resignation from the city or ward committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 36, § 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 71, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-12.2. - Failure of ward and city committees to endorse.

§ 17-12-12.2. Failure of ward and city committees to endorse.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special act to the contrary, in the event that a ward committee or a city committee of a political party of a particular city has failed or neglected to do so, the executive committee of the city committee of that city, any duly selected subcommittee of the executive committee or the city chairperson of the political party involved, if so authorized, within twenty-four (24) weekday hours of the failure, may endorse and notify the local board of the endorsement, if any, of the candidates for city council, ward committee member, and mayor, as the case may be, to be voted on in the primary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 36, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-13. - State conventions.

§ 17-12-13. State conventions.
There shall be held not later than October 14 of every even year a state convention for each political party. The nominees of a party for senator and for representatives in congress, for the five (5) general offices, and for membership in the general assembly shall be delegates to the state convention of that party. In presidential election years, these conventions shall select the party nominees for presidential electors and their names shall be placed on the ballot for the forthcoming election.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 33; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-14; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-13; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 7; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 7; P.L. 2018, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 52, § 1.