reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-14. - Election of delegates to national conventions.

§ 17-12-14. Election of delegates to national conventions.
The local boards of the several cities and towns of the state are authorized and directed to furnish for the use of any political party in this state, upon written request of the chairperson of the state central committee, acting under a resolution of the committee, voting places in which primary meetings may be held to elect delegates to the national convention of the political party. The boards shall have the voting places open on the date and during the hours requested by the chairperson of the committee, so long as that election of delegates is scheduled on the first Tuesday next after the first Monday of any month, and shall furnish to the officers appointed to act at the primary meetings any paraphernalia, including check lists, that are generally required and used in elective meetings; provided, that the political party first requesting the use of the voting places on and for a certain date shall be entitled to the use of them on that date; and if the date is one requested by some other political party, the other political party, through the chairperson of the committee, may request another date. In cities a voting place and paraphernalia for voting shall be furnished and provided for each ward into which the cities may be divided; and in each of the towns of Burrillville, Cumberland, and Lincoln, at least two (2) voting places and the paraphernalia for voting, and in every other town at least one voting place and the paraphernalia for voting, shall be furnished and provided. The local boards shall not be required to provide for the compensation for services of the officers appointed to act at the primary meetings, nor shall anything contained in this section be held to affect the method of holding elections already provided for by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 815, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 8, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 313, § 23; impl. am. P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-15; G.L. 1956, § 17-12-14; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 9; P.L. 2018, ch. 182, § 5; P.L. 2018, ch. 279, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-15. - Qualifying as a political party through independent candidacy.

§ 17-12-15. Qualifying as a political party through independent candidacy.
An independent candidate for governor or president of the United States in a general election shall not be entitled to establish a political party, notwithstanding that the candidate shall receive five percent (5%) of the votes cast as provided in § 17-1-2(9), unless the candidate shall, at the time of filing a declaration of candidacy, simultaneously indicate, on a form provided by the secretary of state, the candidate’s intent to establish a political party, together with the name of the political organization which the candidate represents and the names and addresses of the chairperson and secretary of the organization.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 185, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 416, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-16. - Qualifying as a political party by petition — Names of officers — Endorsements and other official communications.

§ 17-12-16. Qualifying as a political party by petition — Names of officers — Endorsements and other official communications.
Any political organization wishing to qualify as a political party by the submission of petitions under § 17-1-2(9) shall, at the time of receiving the petition forms from the board of elections, file with the board, on a form to be provided by the board, the name of the political organization and the names and addresses of its chairperson and secretary. If the organization later qualifies as a political party by the submission of the requisite number of valid signatures, and until the appropriate party committees have been established, all endorsements and other official written communications from the party to the board of elections, secretary of state, local boards of canvassers and other state and municipal agencies shall be signed on behalf of the party by the chairperson and secretary, whose names and addresses are on file with the board of elections as required by this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 185, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 416, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12 - Party Committees and Conventions › Section 17-12-17. - Names of political parties.

§ 17-12-17. Names of political parties.
No political party may use or adopt a name which is similar to the name of another political party or which contains the name of another political party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 342, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-1. - Date of primaries for election of delegates to national conventions.

§ 17-12.1-1. Date of primaries for election of delegates to national conventions.
(a)
A primary election for the election of delegates to the national convention for each political party shall be held in the manner provided in this chapter on the fourth Tuesday in April 2012, and every fourth year thereafter.
(b)
Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (a), for the 2024 primary election only, the election of delegates to the national convention for each political party and for presidential preference shall be conducted on April 2, 2024.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 133, § 1, effective June 19, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 134, § 1, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-2. - Number of delegates to be elected — Method of election.

§ 17-12.1-2. Number of delegates to be elected — Method of election.
At each primary there shall be elected for each congressional district of this state the number of delegates and alternates that shall be determined by the national committee of the party and certified to the secretary of state not later than the first Tuesday in January preceding the primary by the state committee of the party. The method of election of candidates for delegate shall be in accordance with party rules certified to the secretary of state by the chairperson of the state committee on or before the first Tuesday in January of each year a primary is to be held pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1979, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 183, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-3. - Declaration of candidacy — Delegates.

§ 17-12.1-3. Declaration of candidacy — Delegates.
During the sixty-first (61st) and sixty-second (62nd) day preceding a primary for election of delegates to a national convention, each voter desiring to be a delegate at the forthcoming convention shall, on the form that shall be provided by the secretary of state, sign his or her name as it appears on the voting list and file, not later than four (4:00) p.m. of the date of filing with the secretary of state, a declaration of candidacy which shall include the following information:
(1)
His or her name and address as they appear on the voting list, party designation, place and date of birth, and length of residence in the state and in the town or city where he or she resides.
(2)
A statement that, if elected, he or she would comply with all party rules of the national committee of the party designated in subdivision (1) of this section relating to delegates to national conventions and conducting of national conventions.
(3)
At the same time as the declaration of candidacy is filed, the appropriate pledge of support form provided to the secretary of state by the political parties must be filed by the candidate for delegate.
(4)
If any candidate for delegate does not thereafter wish his or her name to appear on the ballot, the candidate shall, at least forty-nine (49) days prior to the date for the primary, file an affidavit with the secretary of state stating his or her name may not be placed on the ballot and the secretary of state shall not place that candidate’s name on the ballot.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 3; P.L. 1983, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 390, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 479, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-5. - Preparation of nomination papers — Delegates.

§ 17-12.1-5. Preparation of nomination papers — Delegates.
Upon receipt of the declaration referred to in § 17-12.1-3, the secretary of state shall prepare nomination papers for each candidate who has qualified, clearly marked with the candidate’s name and the office the candidate seeks, and shall, by four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on the next business day after receipt of the declaration, deliver the nomination papers to the proper candidate or to those persons that the candidate, in writing, designates to receive them.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 390, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 479, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-6. - Number of signers required.

§ 17-12.1-6. Number of signers required.
The nomination papers of a candidate for delegate to a national convention shall be signed, in the aggregate, by at least one hundred fifty (150) eligible voters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-7. - Checking and certification of nomination papers.

§ 17-12.1-7. Checking and certification of nomination papers.
(a)
Each nomination paper of a candidate for delegate shall be submitted on or before four o’clock (4:00) p.m. in the afternoon of the fifty-sixth (56th) day before the presidential preference primary to the local board of the city or town where the signers appear to be voters, and the nomination papers shall be checked, processed, and certified to the secretary of state by the local boards before four o’clock (4:00) p.m. in the afternoon of the fifty-third (53rd) day before the presidential preference primary. In addition, each candidate for delegate to a national convention may, on or before four o’clock (4:00) p.m. in the afternoon of the forty-ninth (49th) day before the presidential primary, submit to the secretary of state documentation from a candidate, as set forth in § 17-12.1-4, that he or she has the approval of the candidate for presidential nominee or approval from the steering/screening committee to name the candidates’ delegates to be identified with him or her. Names of delegates pledged to a presidential candidate who do not receive approval of the candidate for presidential nominee or approval from the steering/screening committee to name the candidates’ delegates to be identified with him/her, who are otherwise qualified, shall appear on the ballot in accordance with party rules.
(b)
When nomination papers have been duly certified by the appropriate local boards of canvassers, they shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, unless written objections to them are made as to the eligibility of the candidate or the sufficiency of the nomination papers or the signatures on them. All objections shall be filed with the state board of elections by four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on the next business day after the last day fixed for local boards to file nomination papers with the secretary of state. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the secretary of state from disqualifying a candidate based on the determination of the secretary of state that the nomination papers or the signatures on them are invalid or insufficient.
(c)
The decision of the state board shall be rendered not later than four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on the forty-seventh (47th) day before the presidential preference primary and shall immediately be certified by the state board to the secretary of state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1976, ch. 27, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 390, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 479, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-8. - Presidential preference primary.

§ 17-12.1-8. Presidential preference primary.
(a)
On the same date and at the same time as the election of delegates to national conventions, as provided in § 17-12.1-1, there shall be held a presidential preference primary for each political party at which each party voter shall have the opportunity to vote his or her preference for his or her choice for one person to be the candidate of his or her party for president of the United States.
(b)
The secretary of state shall place on the ballot the name of all persons qualified as candidates for presidential nominee as provided in § 17-12.1-4, and who have not filed with the secretary of state the affidavit as provided in § 17-12.1-4, and shall list under the name of each candidate for presidential nominee, arranged by lot, the names of all candidates for delegates to a national convention who submitted the approval of the candidate for presidential nominee as set forth in § 17-12.1-7. All other candidates for delegates to a national convention shall be listed on the ballot, arranged by lot, as uncommitted, unless otherwise specified in party rules.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 8; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 8; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-9. - Voting for nominees and delegates — Designation of winning delegates.

§ 17-12.1-9. Voting for nominees and delegates — Designation of winning delegates.
Each voter shall vote, within that voter’s party primary, for the presidential nominees of that voter’s choice or may express that voter’s choice for no nominee in a space provided and designated “uncommitted” and for any or all of the number of elected delegates allocated to Rhode Island by the respective national committees. The number of delegates and the designation of the winning delegates shall be determined pursuant to the rules of the political party filed with the secretary of state as provided by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-10. - Filling of vacancies.

§ 17-12.1-10. Filling of vacancies.
Vacancies shall be filled in the delegation by the alternates in the order of their plurality and in accordance with the rules of the political party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-11. - Form of ballot.

§ 17-12.1-11. Form of ballot.
(a)
The order on the ballot, subject to final determination of any objections filed with the board of elections and the removal of said individual(s) by the secretary of state post-lot, of the presidential nominees and delegates and the uncommitted delegates shall be chosen by lot under the direction of the secretary of state.
(b)
Individuals committed to a particular presidential candidate or uncommitted shall appear in a manner so that the candidates for delegates shall be readily identified with the presidential candidate to whom they are committed or shall appear in a manner that clearly shows they are uncommitted.
(c)
No person shall appear on the ballot as a candidate for delegate more than once.
(d)
There shall be nothing on the ballot to indicate or suggest any political party endorsement.
(e)
The secretary of state shall prepare and arrange the ballot for use in the primaries authorized in this title, which shall include, as to the candidates for delegates, the person to whom the candidates are committed and any other information and instruction that the secretary of state shall deem necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 8; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 8; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-12. - Definitions.

§ 17-12.1-12. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter the following terms have the meaning indicated as follows:
(1)
“Political party” is defined as provided in § 17-1-2(9).
(2)
“Uncommitted” means a candidate for delegate not approved by, obligated, or committed to any particular presidential contender.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 185, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 416, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 80, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-13. - Repealed.

§ 17-12.1-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 15; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 15, effective January 1, 1997.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-14. - Recount.

§ 17-12.1-14. Recount.
(a)
Upon application, the state board of elections shall conduct a recount for a presidential candidate or delegate for a winning candidate when there is a two hundred (200) or less vote difference between the losing candidate or delegate and the winner. Said recount shall be conducted by re-reading the programmed memory device or devices and comparing the results and totals obtained at such recount with the results and totals obtained on election night.
(b)
The state board shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations to implement and administer the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 264, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 483, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 96.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-15. - Political party rules.

§ 17-12.1-15. Political party rules.
The state chairperson of each political party shall, on or before the first Tuesday in January of each year a primary is to be held pursuant to this chapter, file with the secretary of state a certified copy of the complete rules of the political party including, but not limited to, the delegate selection rules and delegate procedure for the national convention of the political party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-12.1 - Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference › Section 17-12.1-16. - Applicability.

§ 17-12.1-16. Applicability.
The appropriate provisions of this title shall apply to the primaries held under the provisions of this chapter, unless clearly inconsistent with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 275, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-13 - Primary Voting Lists › Section 17-13-1. - Preparation and posting of preliminary lists.

§ 17-13-1. Preparation and posting of preliminary lists.
(a)
In conformity with the requirements of chapter 10 of this title relating to preliminary lists generally, preceding the next primary election of a political party prior to a general election, each local board shall, for the party, prepare and post in the local board of canvassers a separate list of voters with their addresses in the districts who are eligible to participate in the primary of the respective party in accordance with the provisions of chapter 15 of this title. Each list shall be plainly marked with the name of the party for which it is prepared.
(b)
In the preparation of any preliminary list, the names of all persons who are ineligible by reason of the provisions of § 17-15-24 shall be stricken from the list, and those persons are debarred from participating in the primary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 18; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-2; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 87, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 96, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-13 - Primary Voting Lists › Section 17-13-2. - Affidavits of error in lists.

§ 17-13-2. Affidavits of error in lists.
Any person claiming that his or her name has been erroneously included in or omitted from a preliminary list may set up that fact in his or her affidavit and, if that person files the affidavit with the proper local board within five (5) days after the preliminary list has been posted, as provided in § 17-13-1, the local board shall make the proper change in the list if satisfied of the proof of the claim. The affidavit shall be open to public inspection under any regulations that shall be promulgated by the local board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 18; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-3; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-13 - Primary Voting Lists › Section 17-13-3. - Procedure in primaries for special elections.

§ 17-13-3. Procedure in primaries for special elections.
The same procedure and sequence shall be followed in the case of a primary for a special election, but the state board shall fix and publish the various dates and periods in the sequence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 18; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-5; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-13 - Primary Voting Lists › Section 17-13-4. - Consolidated list for each party.

§ 17-13-4. Consolidated list for each party.
There shall be only one list prepared for each party and the practice of separate lists prepared for women and for real, personal, and registry voters shall not be followed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 18; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-6; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-13 - Primary Voting Lists › Section 17-13-5. - Lists furnished to parties and candidates.

§ 17-13-5. Lists furnished to parties and candidates.
After the first meeting held to correct and add to the voting lists as required by this chapter, the local boards shall immediately furnish five (5) complete copies of the printed lists to the town or city chairperson of each political party. The local boards shall furnish certified copies of the primary lists to any political party or candidate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 18; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-7; G.L. 1956, § 17-13-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-1.1. - Party affiliation.

§ 17-14-1.1. Party affiliation.
Whenever any person seeks elective office, that person shall not have been a member of a political party other than the declared political party within ninety (90) days of the filing of their declaration of candidacy, except for a special election for federal office, or for an election for federal office regularly scheduled for a time other than the biennial general statewide election, that person shall not have been a member of a political party other than the declared political party within thirty (30) days of the filing of their declaration of candidacy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 372, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 25, § 2, effective May 18, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 26, § 2, effective May 18, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-1.2. - Candidate required to be a qualified voter in the election.

§ 17-14-1.2. Candidate required to be a qualified voter in the election.
(a)
No person shall be eligible to file a declaration of candidacy as an independent candidate nor shall a person be eligible to be a candidate or be eligible to be voted for unless the person shall, at the time of filing the declaration, be qualified to vote in the election within the district for the office which that person seeks.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, individuals residing in state senate districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 may file a declaration of candidacy for state senator and/or senatorial district committee member for those senate districts for the 2004 election pursuant to § 17-14-1, provided they were registered to vote in the election for that district on or before June 16, 2004.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 9; P.L. 2004, ch. 24, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-2. - Candidate required to be a qualified voter in the primary.

§ 17-14-2. Candidate required to be a qualified voter in the primary.
(a)
No person shall be eligible to file a declaration of candidacy, or be eligible to be a candidate or be eligible to be voted for or to be nominated or elected in a party primary unless the person, at the time of filing the declaration, is qualified to vote in a primary within the district for the office which he or she seeks.
(b)
No person shall be eligible to file a declaration of candidacy, or be eligible to be a candidate or eligible to be voted for or to be nominated or elected in any party primary or general election if that person has declared to be a candidate for another elected public office, either state, local or both.
(c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, individuals residing in state senate districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 may file a declaration of candidacy for state senator and/or senatorial district committee member for those senate districts for the 2004 election pursuant to § 17-14-1, provided they were registered to vote in the election for that district on or before June 16, 2004.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 7; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 24, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-2.1. - Party candidates not eligible for independent nomination and independent candidates not eligible for party nomination.

§ 17-14-2.1. Party candidates not eligible for independent nomination and independent candidates not eligible for party nomination.
No person who has filed a declaration of candidacy as an independent candidate pursuant to § 17-14-1 for an office for which a party candidate may be nominated pursuant to this chapter shall be eligible to file a declaration of candidacy as a party candidate for the same office or for any other public office in the same election year, and no person who has filed a declaration of candidacy as a party candidate pursuant to § 17-14-1 for an office for which an independent candidate may be nominated pursuant to this chapter shall be eligible to file a declaration of candidacy as an independent candidate for the same office or for any other public office in the same election year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 404, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 8; P.L. 1997, ch. 184, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-3. - Repealed.

§ 17-14-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 7; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 9; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 9; Repealed by P.L. 2005, ch. 347, § 2, effective July 19, 2005.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-4.1. - Party committees — Nomination papers unnecessary.

§ 17-14-4.1. Party committees — Nomination papers unnecessary.
In the case of endorsed candidates for membership on all party committees, including state, town, city, district, or ward committees, nomination papers shall not be necessary. In this case, the filing of the endorsed slate of candidates by the particular committee shall be sufficient to nominate the candidates. All nonendorsed candidates for membership on party committees shall be required to file declarations of candidacy and to obtain and file nomination papers in the same manner as other candidates for primary election.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-5. - Repealed.

§ 17-14-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 8; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1961, ch. 70, § 3; P.L. 1962, ch. 191, § 2; P.L. 1974, ch. 36, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 7, effective June 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-6. - Statement at head of nomination papers.

§ 17-14-6. Statement at head of nomination papers.
At the head of the space on the nomination papers where voters are to endorse their approval of the candidates shall be printed the following:
“Each of the signers of this paper by so signing severally certifies that he or she is a voter in the area from and for which the endorsed candidate (or candidates) seek(s) to be elected.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 8; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 7; P.L. 1950, ch. 2553, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 388, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-8. - Signing of nomination papers.

§ 17-14-8. Signing of nomination papers.
Not all endorsers of a candidate need sign on the same nomination papers, but endorsers who are voters in different cities and towns shall not sign the same sheet. Every voter signing a nomination paper shall sign in person with his or her name, place of residence, and street number, as it appears on the voting list. The signature shall be accepted as valid if it can be reasonably identified to be the signature of the voter it purports to be. A variation of the voter’s signature by the insertion or omission of identifying titles or by the substitution of initials for the first or middle names, or both, shall not in itself be grounds for invalidation of the signature. Any voter who is unable to write may sign by making his or her mark “X” on the nomination paper in the presence of two (2) witnesses who shall subscribe their names on the paper as witnesses to the signing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 10; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 271, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-9. - Number of papers signed by same voter.

§ 17-14-9. Number of papers signed by same voter.
A voter may sign any number of nomination papers for any office the voter may lawfully vote for at the general election.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 10; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 271, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-10. - Affidavit of person obtaining signatures.

§ 17-14-10. Affidavit of person obtaining signatures.
Every person who obtains signatures of voters upon nomination papers shall under oath sign the following statement:
“I, _______________________________________ , of _______________________________________ , under oath, make affidavit and say that the signers of the within nomination paper (or papers) did so sign the paper (or papers) in my presence.
_______________________________________
State of Rhode Island
_______________________________________ , Sc.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ___________ day of _____________________ , A.D. 20___________ .
__________
Notary Public”
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 8; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-10; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-11. - Checking and certification of nomination papers — Challenge.

§ 17-14-11. Checking and certification of nomination papers — Challenge.
Each nomination paper for party and independent candidates shall be submitted before four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on the sixtieth (60th) day before the primary to the local board of the city or town where the signers appear to be voters or, in the case of special elections for state and local office, on the twenty-eighth (28th) day before the primary, or in the case of special elections for federal office, on the fifty-third (53rd) day before the primary. Nomination papers for independent presidential candidates and presidential candidates of political parties, other than those defined in § 17-1-2(9), shall be filed not later than sixty (60) days prior to the general election. Each local board shall immediately proceed to check signatures on each nomination paper filed with it against the voting list as last canvassed or published according to law. The local boards shall certify a sufficient number of names appearing on the nomination papers that are in conformity with the requirements of § 17-14-8 to qualify the candidate for a position on the ballot, and after considering any challenge under this section and, if necessary, certifying any additional valid names, shall immediately file nomination papers for statewide office, general assembly, and state and district committee candidates with the secretary of state; provided, that nomination papers for local candidates shall be retained by the local board. If any candidate or the chairperson of any party committee questions the validity or authenticity of any signature on the nomination paper, the local board shall immediately and summarily decide the question, and for this purpose, shall have the same powers as are conferred upon the board by the provisions of § 17-14-14. If any challenged signature is found to be invalid, for any reason in law, or forged, then the signature shall not be counted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 11; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-11; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1961, ch. 70, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 36, § 3; P.L. 1978, ch. 271, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 8; P.L. 1991, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 194, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 277, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 25, § 2, effective May 18, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 26, § 2, effective May 18, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-12. - Filing of nomination papers.

§ 17-14-12. Filing of nomination papers.
All nomination papers for state offices or officers and all certified lists of candidates for local offices or officers shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state (the certified lists by the respective local boards), not later than fifty-four (54) days before the date of the primary held to nominate candidates for general election; but when there is a primary to nominate candidates for any office mentioned in § 17-15-7 to be voted upon at a special election for state and local office, all nomination papers and lists of local candidates shall be filed in the office on or before the twenty-sixth (26th) day preceding the day of the special primary election, or when there is a primary to nominate candidates for any office listed in § 17-15-7 to be voted upon at a special election for federal office, all nomination papers and lists of local candidates shall be filed in the office on or before the forty-nineth (49th) day preceding the day of the special primary election. Nomination papers for independent presidential candidates and presidential candidates of political parties other than those defined in § 17-1-2(9) shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state by the local boards of canvassers not later than fifty-four (54) days before the date of the election.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 12; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-12; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1961, ch. 70, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 36, § 4; P.L. 1978, ch. 271, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 8; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 75; P.L. 1991, ch. 194, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 277, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 25, § 2, effective May 18, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 26, § 2, effective May 18, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-12.1. - Certification by local boards.

§ 17-14-12.1. Certification by local boards.
All certified lists of candidates for primary, regular, and special elections, as well as all local questions to be voted on at these elections shall be in final form when certified to the secretary of state by the local boards. In all instances where there needs to be a reprinting, remailing, or other procedure pertaining to the ballots for a community, except as provided in § 17-14-17, the cost of the reprinting, remailing, or other procedure shall be borne by the local community.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 279, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-13. - Objections to eligibility of candidate or sufficiency of papers.

§ 17-14-13. Objections to eligibility of candidate or sufficiency of papers.
When nomination papers have been duly filed and are in apparent conformity with § 17-14-11, they shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, unless written objections to them are made as to the eligibility of the candidate or the sufficiency of the nomination papers or the signatures on them. All objections shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state or of the local board, as the case may be, by four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on the next business day after the last day fixed for filing nomination papers in the appropriate office as provided in this chapter. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the secretary of state or the local board, as the case may be, from disqualifying a candidate based on the determination of the secretary of state or the local board, acting on its own motion, that the candidate is ineligible or the nomination papers or the signatures on them are invalid or insufficient.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 13; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-13; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 271, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 22; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-14. - Hearings on objections — Witnesses — Notice.

§ 17-14-14. Hearings on objections — Witnesses — Notice.
(a)
All objections to nomination papers which are required to be filed with the secretary of state shall be considered by the state board. The secretary of state shall, when requested by the state board, immediately deliver to the board the nomination papers to which objection has been filed. The state board may, at the hearing on the objections, summon witnesses, administer oaths, and require the production of books, papers, and documents. The witnesses shall be summoned in the same manner, be paid the same fees, and be subject to the same penalties for default as witnesses before the superior court. A summons may be sworn to and an oath may be administered by the board. When an objection has been filed, notice of the objection shall be immediately given by registered or certified mail or by personal service by the state board to the candidates, addressed to the residence of the candidate as given in the nomination papers, and to any party committee interested in the nomination to which objection is made.
(b)
Additional notice may also be given by the state board if it sees fit to do so. The decision of the board shall be rendered within two (2) days, exclusive of Sundays and holidays, after filing of objections and shall immediately be certified by the state board to the secretary of state.
(c)
All objections to nomination papers for other than state officers shall be considered by the local board in the same manner and with the same effect as provided in subsection (a) of this section for hearing of objections to nomination papers for state officers by the state board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 14; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3717, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-14; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-15. - Withdrawal of candidacy.

§ 17-14-15. Withdrawal of candidacy.
A person nominated as a candidate to be voted for at a primary or an independent candidate may withdraw his or her name from the nomination prior to the date of primary by a request signed and duly acknowledged by him or her setting forth the reason for the withdrawal, that the withdrawal is the candidate’s own free act and deed, and that it is not executed as the result of any threat or promise made to the candidate. The certificate of withdrawal shall be filed in the office where the nomination papers were filed within the time prescribed by § 17-14-13 for filing objections to nomination papers; provided, that if an objection has been filed, the certificate need not be filed until twenty-four (24) hours following the decision of the state board, or of the local board, relative to the objection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 16; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-15; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 224, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 437, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-16. - Certification of names of candidates to secretary of state.

§ 17-14-16. Certification of names of candidates to secretary of state.
Following the determination of objections, if any, to the nomination papers, the state board or local board shall immediately certify to the secretary of state the names and addresses of all candidates who have filed valid nomination papers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 15; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 14; P.L. 1950, ch. 2476, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-16; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-17. - Replacement of deceased endorsed candidate.

§ 17-14-17. Replacement of deceased endorsed candidate.
When an endorsed nominee as a candidate to be voted upon at any primary has deceased prior to the holding of the primary, the committee having the original authority to endorse the candidate shall substitute as the endorsed nominee for candidate to be voted upon at the primary any person qualified to vote at the primary in the place and stead of the deceased nominee; provided, that immediately upon receipt of actual knowledge of the death of the endorsed nominee by the committee having the original authority to endorse the candidate, the committee shall make the substitution referred to in this section. The chairperson of the committee shall, immediately upon the substitution, notify the secretary of state in writing of the death of the endorsed nominee and of the substitution of a nominee as provided in this section. Any substituted nominee shall have been eligible for nomination on the dates as required by and pursuant to the requirements of §§ 17-14-1, 17-14-1.1, 17-14-2, and 17-14-2.1. Upon receipt of the notice, the secretary of state shall thereupon substitute on the ballots the name of the endorsed nominee who replaces the deceased endorsed nominee as provided in this section; provided, that the written notice is received by the secretary of state at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the primary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 16A; P.L. 1950, ch. 2564, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-17; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 9; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates › Section 17-14-17.1. - Repealed.

§ 17-14-17.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 243, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 243, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 7, effective June 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-15 - Primary Elections › Section 17-15-1. - Date of primaries.

§ 17-15-1. Date of primaries.
A primary election for the nomination of candidates for each political party shall be held in each voting district in the manner provided in this chapter on the eighth Tuesday preceding biennial state elections.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 2; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-15-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1961, ch. 70, § 4; P.L. 2019, ch. 202, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 245, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-15 - Primary Elections › Section 17-15-2. - Regular primary date falling on religious holiday.

§ 17-15-2. Regular primary date falling on religious holiday.
In the event that the date for the holding of any primary election preceding any general state or municipal election as provided in this chapter falls upon the day of a religious holiday, the primary shall be held upon the next business day, other than Saturday, then following; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to invalidate a primary election once held.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 2; P.L. 1955, ch. 3581, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-15-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 200, § 1.