reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-3.1. - Residence for voting purposes.

§ 17-1-3.1. Residence for voting purposes.
(a)
A person’s residence for voting purposes is his or her fixed and established domicile. The determinant of one’s domicile is that person’s factual physical presence in the voting district on a regular basis incorporating an intention to reside for an indefinite period. This domicile is the place to which, upon temporary absence, he or she has the intention of returning. Once acquired, this domicile continues until another domicile is established. A person can have only one domicile, and the domicile shall not be considered lost solely by reason of absence for any of the following reasons:
(1)
Employment or service outside of the state intimately connected with military operations or with the federal government, including the spouse and dependents of an elector so employed;
(2)
Confinement in a correctional facility;
(3)
Being a patient in a hospital, convalescent home, nursing home or rest home, or like facility; or
(4)
Attendance as a student at an academic institution, including the spouse and dependents of an elector who is a student.
(b)
The following shall be considered prima facie evidence of a person’s residence for voting purposes:
(1)
The address furnished to the division of motor vehicles for the voter’s operator’s license;
(2)
The address from which the voter’s motor vehicle is registered;
(3)
The address from which the voter filed his last federal income tax return;
(4)
The address from which the voter filed his last state income tax return;
(5)
The address furnished to the companies from which the voter has obtained retail credit cards;
(6)
The address furnished to the financial institutions where the voter maintains accounts;
(7)
The address furnished to the tax collector and/or assessor in those communities where the voter owns taxable real or personal property for the purpose of notification to him or her;
(8)
The address furnished to the insurance companies with which the voter maintains policies;
(9)
The address furnished to the voter’s employer;
(10)
The address furnished by the voter to any business, professional, union, or fraternal organizations of which he or she is a member;
(11)
The address furnished to governmental agencies with which the voter has contact;
(12)
The address of a hospital, convalescent home, nursing home or rest home, or like facility at which the voter has been a patient or resident for the preceding thirty (30) days or longer;
(13)
The address furnished to the United States postal service on a change of address form as verified by the United States postal service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 3; P.L. 1984, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 142, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-3.2 - — 17-1-4. Repealed.

§ 17-1-3.2 — 17-1-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 3; P.L. 1985, ch. 490, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 438, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1994, ch. 171, § 2, effective January 1, 1995.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-5. - Effect of special statutes.

§ 17-1-5. Effect of special statutes.
The provisions of any chapter or section under this title are subject to the provisions of any special statutes or charters respecting any particular town or city, none of which are repealed by this title; provided, that insofar as any special statute or charters adapted prior to April 22, 1935, conflicts with the provisions of chapter 19 of this title, the provisions of chapter 19 shall prevail; and provided, further, that insofar as any special statute or charter provision conflicts with the provisions of § 17-14-7, 17-14-9, or 17-19-7.1, the provisions of § 17-14-7, 17-14-9, or 17-19-7.1 shall prevail. Notwithstanding any charter provision of any city or town to the contrary, all local elections and special elections, as these terms are defined under §§ 17-1-2(6) and 17-1-2(14), shall be held on the first Tuesday next after the first Monday in any month.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 328, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-25-1; G.L., § 17-1-5, as enacted by P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 252, § 3; P.L. 2010, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 279, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-5.1. - Municipal and state employees holding elective public office.

§ 17-1-5.1. Municipal and state employees holding elective public office.
(a)
A municipal employee may hold a state elective office or a municipal elective office; provided, that except as authorized pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, no municipal employee may hold a municipal elective office in the city or town in which he or she is employed, and a state employee may hold any municipal elective office. Any provision in any state law, municipal ordinance, or city or town charter prohibiting a municipal employee from holding state elective office or municipal elective office, other than in the town where he or she is employed, or a state employee from holding a municipal elective office is declared null and void.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to school teachers of the individual cities and towns as defined in title 16.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of the first sentence of subsection (a) of this section, a city or town may, by charter or ordinance, permit a municipal employee of that city or town to hold the office of school committee person in that city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 518, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-7. - Uniform deadlines.

§ 17-1-7. Uniform deadlines.
Notwithstanding any other time specified for the filing of any paper or the doing of any act pursuant to this title, a uniform deadline of 4:00 p.m. is established; provided, that applications for emergency mail ballots must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to an election or primary. If any filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadline shall be construed to fall on the next subsequent business day; provided, that this does not apply to registration to vote thirty (30) days prior to an election or primary, or change of party designation thirty (30) days prior to an election or primary under the requirements of § 17-9.1-24.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 25, § 1, effective May 18, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 26, § 1, effective May 18, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-7.1. - Filings to be originals.

§ 17-1-7.1. Filings to be originals.
Filings made under this title at the secretary of state’s office shall be considered valid only if they bear original signatures and shall not include any telegram, cablegram, telephone call, electronically transmitted documents, or similar communications.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 98, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-8. - Severability.

§ 17-1-8. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-9. - Repealed.

§ 17-1-9. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 276, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2008, ch. 293, § 1, effective July 5, 2008; P.L. 2008, ch. 411, § 1, effective July 8, 2008.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-1 - General Provisions › Section 17-1-10. - Lincoln town officials — Inauguration date.

§ 17-1-10. Lincoln town officials — Inauguration date.
The voters of the town of Lincoln may vote, at the next regularly scheduled election to be held on November 7, 2000, on whether to modify the Town Home Rule Charter to change the inauguration date of officials of the town of Lincoln from the first Tuesday of December in even-numbered years to the first Tuesday of January in odd-numbered years to coincide with the inaugurations of state officers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 277, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-2 - General State Officers › Section 17-2-1. - General officers enumerated — Election and terms.

§ 17-2-1. General officers enumerated — Election and terms.
The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and general treasurer shall be known as general officers. They shall be elected at a general election, quadrennially, in accordance with the provisions of this title, and shall hold their respective offices for four (4) years beginning on the first Tuesday of January next succeeding their election and until the election and qualification of their respective successors.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 826, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 14, § 1; P.L. 1912, ch. 817, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 13, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 320, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-1-1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-2 - General State Officers › Section 17-2-2. - Death or incapacity of governor elect.

§ 17-2-2. Death or incapacity of governor elect.
When the governor elect dies, removes from the state, refuses to serve, becomes insane, or is otherwise incapacitated, the lieutenant governor elect shall be qualified as governor at the beginning of the term for which he or she was elected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 826, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 14, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 13, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 320, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-1-3; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-2 - General State Officers › Section 17-2-3. - Elections by general assembly on failure to elect or incapacity of person elected.

§ 17-2-3. Elections by general assembly on failure to elect or incapacity of person elected.
When both the governor and lieutenant governor elect, or one among the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, or general treasurer elect, are incapacitated, or when there has been a failure to elect one or more of the officers mentioned in this section, the general assembly shall, upon its organization, meet in grand committee and elect some person or persons to fill the office or offices, as the case may be, for which the incapacity exists or as to which the failure to elect occurred. When the general assembly elects any of the officers because of the failure of any person to receive a plurality of the votes cast, the election in each case shall be made from the persons who received the same and largest number of votes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 826, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 14, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 13, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 320, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-1-4; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-2 - General State Officers › Section 17-2-4. - Filling vacancies in offices of governor and lieutenant governor.

§ 17-2-4. Filling vacancies in offices of governor and lieutenant governor.
If the offices of governor and lieutenant governor are both vacant by reason of death or otherwise, they shall be filled by the general assembly in grand committee, and the acting governor shall, if the general assembly is not then in session, call a special session of the general assembly for that purpose within twenty (20) days after both of the offices become vacant, if a stated session is not sooner to occur.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 826, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 14, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 13, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 320, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 17-1-5; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-2 - General State Officers › Section 17-2-5. - Vacancies in other general offices.

§ 17-2-5. Vacancies in other general offices.
In case of a vacancy in the office of secretary of state, attorney general, or general treasurer, from any cause, the general assembly in grand committee shall elect some person to fill the office; provided, that if the vacancy occurs when the general assembly is not in session, the governor shall appoint some person to fill the vacancy until a successor elected by the general assembly is qualified to act.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 826, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 14, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 13, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 320, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 17-1-6; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-2 - General State Officers › Section 17-2-6. - Majority required in general assembly — Term of officer elected to fill vacancy.

§ 17-2-6. Majority required in general assembly — Term of officer elected to fill vacancy.
In elections by the general assembly in grand committee, the person receiving a majority of the votes shall be elected. Every person elected by the general assembly to fill a vacancy, pursuant to the provision of this chapter, shall hold his or her office for the remainder of the term or for the full term, as the case may be, and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 826, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 14, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 13, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 320, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 17-1-7; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-1. - Time of election — Term of office.

§ 17-3-1. Time of election — Term of office.
Senators and representatives in the general assembly shall be elected biennially, at general elections, in each senatorial and representative district in accordance with the provisions of this title; and shall hold their respective offices for two (2) years beginning on the first Tuesday of January, next succeeding their election, and until the election and qualification of their respective successors.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 29; P.L. 1912, ch. 819, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-1; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-2. - Adjournment of election meetings.

§ 17-3-2. Adjournment of election meetings.
All senatorial district, representative district, and voting district meetings held in any district for the election of senators and representatives in the general assembly, or of any one or more of them, shall, at the time of closing the polls in that district as prescribed by law, stand adjourned until the date named in the warrant provided in § 17-3-3 to be issued in case of no election, or until the state board has notified the secretary of state that an election of senator and representative in the general assembly from the district has been made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 2; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-2; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-3. - Adjourned elections on failure to elect.

§ 17-3-3. Adjourned elections on failure to elect.
If it appears by the count of the state board that no election has been made of any one or more of the senators or representatives in the general assembly, at any election held for those officers, the board shall, immediately after the count, notify the secretary of state of the failure to elect; the secretary of state shall, immediately after the notification, direct the local boards in the senatorial or representative districts to issue their warrants to the moderators of the district, districts, or voting districts, as the case may be, directing the election to proceed on the tenth (10th) day from the date of the warrant, unless the day is a legal holiday, in which case the secretary of state shall direct the election to proceed on the next day after the tenth (10th) day not a legal holiday, for the officer or officers for which there was no choice, which warrant shall be served on the day of its issue by the several city or town sergeants or constables; provided, there shall be no election held on Saturday, and if the tenth (10th) day falls on Saturday, the election shall proceed on the Monday next following, unless that Monday is a legal or religious holiday, in which case the election shall proceed on the next following day which is not a legal or religious holiday.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 4; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 31; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-3; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-4. - Candidates and ballots at adjourned elections.

§ 17-3-4. Candidates and ballots at adjourned elections.
At the adjourned elections provided for in § 17-3-3, the official ballot shall contain the names of the candidates for the offices for which there was no choice at the first election, and shall be printed and supplied by the secretary of state; provided, that in case any candidate has died, the senatorial district or representative district committee, as the case may be, of the party to which the candidate belonged may substitute the name of some other person as a candidate and that name shall be printed upon the official ballot, if the substitution is made in time to allow it to be printed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-4; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-5. - Death, refusal, or incapacity of senator or representative elect.

§ 17-3-5. Death, refusal, or incapacity of senator or representative elect.
(a)
Whenever any person elected a senator or representative in the general assembly, at any time between the day of his or her election and the beginning of his or her term of office, refuses to serve and so declares to the secretary of state, or dies, becomes insane, removes from the state, or is otherwise incapacitated, the secretary of state shall immediately cause a warrant to be issued ordering a new election of senator or representative, as the case may be, to be held in that district at least seventy (70) but not more than ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the refusal or incapacity.
(b)
Every person elected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall hold his or her office for the full term or for the remainder of the term, as the case may be, of the office that person is elected to fill, and until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3313, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-5; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 277, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-6. - Vacancy in general assembly — Special elections.

§ 17-3-6. Vacancy in general assembly — Special elections.
(a)
Whenever from any cause a vacancy occurs in the representation of any senatorial or representative district in the general assembly while the general assembly is in session, the secretary of state shall cause the local board of the city or town to issue a warrant ordering an election to fill the vacancy, to be held in that district at least seventy (70) but not more than ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the vacancy; provided, that if the general assembly has nearly completed its January session so that it is doubtful whether the person to be chosen can serve as a member at that session, the election shall not be ordered within that time limit, but may be held at any later date within that calendar year, if that year is the first year of the biennial period for which a general assembly has been chosen. And, provided further, the election to fill the vacancy shall be held on a Tuesday that falls between the seventieth and ninetieth day of the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs after the first Monday in February in the second year of the biennial period for which a general assembly was chosen, no warrant shall be issued for a special election to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs or exists at any other time when the general assembly is not in session, the secretary of state shall cause to be issued a warrant for an election to be held to fill the vacancy.
(b)
Every person elected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall hold his or her office for the remainder of the term that person is elected to fill, and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 6; P.L. 1921, ch. 2092, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 6; P.L. 1930, ch. 1530, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3313, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-6; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 194, § 1; 1991, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 182, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 279, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-7. - Nominations at special elections.

§ 17-3-7. Nominations at special elections.
For the elections provided for in §§ 17-3-5 and 17-3-6, certificates of nomination and nomination papers may be filed twenty-eight (28) days prior to the date of those primary elections.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-7; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 277, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-3 - General Assembly Members › Section 17-3-8. - Failure to issue warrant for election.

§ 17-3-8. Failure to issue warrant for election.
Every member of a local board who neglects to seasonably issue his or her warrant as provided in this chapter shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 321, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1954, ch. 3313, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-8; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3; P.L. 1978, ch. 201, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-1. - Congressional districts.

§ 17-4-1. Congressional districts.
The state shall be divided into two (2) districts for the election of representatives in the congress of the United States, to be called respectively the first congressional district and the second congressional district, and the electors residing in each of the districts who are qualified to vote for general officers shall be entitled, at the times and places and in the manner provided by law, to elect a representative in the congress of the United States for the district in which they reside.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 838, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1912, ch. 775, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1932, ch. 1859, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-1; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-3. - Repealed.

§ 17-4-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 838, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 2; P.L. 1912, ch. 775, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 2; P.L. 1930, ch. 1527, § 1; P.L. 1932, ch. 1859, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-3; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 84, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 4; Repealed by P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 21, effective June 28, 2002. For present comparable provisions, see § 17-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-4. - Time of election of representatives in congress.

§ 17-4-4. Time of election of representatives in congress.
The election of representatives in congress shall be held on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in each even numbered year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 838, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 3; P.L. 1914, ch. 1048, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-4; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-5. - Time of election of senators.

§ 17-4-5. Time of election of senators.
The election of a senator in congress shall be held on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November, in the year 1958, and on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every sixth year thereafter, and on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in the year 1960, and on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every sixth year thereafter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 3; P.L. 1914, ch. 1048, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-5; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-6. - Manner of voting — Election by plurality.

§ 17-4-6. Manner of voting — Election by plurality.
In all elections of senators and representatives in congress the voting shall be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 19 of this title, and the person or candidate receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 838, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 4; P.L. 1914, ch. 1048, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-6; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-7. - New election in absence of plurality.

§ 17-4-7. New election in absence of plurality.
In case no person receives a plurality of the votes cast in the state or in either congressional district at any election, a new election shall be held in the state or in the district on the fourth (4th) Tuesday after the holding of the election at which there was no choice. For the election, any new certificates of nomination or nomination papers shall be filed ten (10) days previous to the date of the election.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 838, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 7; P.L. 1914, ch. 1048, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-8; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-8. - Special election to fill vacancy in office of representative.

§ 17-4-8. Special election to fill vacancy in office of representative.
Whenever any person elected a representative in congress from either district, at any time between the day of his or her election and the beginning of his or her term of office, refuses to serve and so declares to the secretary of state, or dies, becomes insane, removes from the state, or is otherwise incapacitated, or whenever a vacancy happens in the representation of this state in congress as contemplated in the second section of the first article of the Constitution of the United States, the governor shall immediately issue his or her writ of election directed to the several city and town clerks, or local boards as the case may be, ordering a new election of the representative in congress to be held in that district to fill the vacancy, at as early a date, to be stated in the writ, as will be in compliance with the provisions of law in relation to these elections, but no election provided for by this section shall be held on any day other than the first Tuesday next after the first Monday of any month; provided, that whenever a vacancy occurs between the first day of April and the first day of October in any even-numbered year, the governor shall, unless in his or her opinion the public good requires an earlier special election, issue his or her writ for a special election to fill the vacancy to be held with the general election on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November of that year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 838, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 8; P.L. 1914, ch. 1048, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 8; P.L. 1930, ch. 1529, § 1; P.L. 1936 (s.s.), ch. 2455, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-9; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 182, § 3; P.L. 2018, ch. 279, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-9. - Special election to fill senatorial vacancy.

§ 17-4-9. Special election to fill senatorial vacancy.
Whenever a person elected a senator in congress, at any time between the day of that person’s election and the beginning of his or her term of office, refuses to serve and so declares to the secretary of state, or dies, becomes insane, removes from the state, or is otherwise incapacitated, or whenever a vacancy happens in the representation of this state in the United States senate, the governor shall issue his or her writ of election directed to the several city and town clerks, or local boards as the case may be, ordering a new election of senator to fill the vacancy to be held in the state at as early a date, to be stated in the writ, as will be in compliance with the provisions of law in relation to these elections, but no election provided for by this section shall be held on any day other than the first Tuesday next after the first Monday of any month; provided, that whenever a vacancy occurs between the first day of July and the first day of October in any even-numbered year, the governor shall, unless in his or her opinion the public good requires an earlier special election, issue his or her writ for a special election to fill the vacancy to be held with the general election on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November of that year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 16, § 8; P.L. 1914, ch. 1048, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 15, § 8; P.L. 1930, ch. 1529, § 1; G.L. 1936, ch. 15, § 9; P.L. 1936 (s.s.), ch. 2455, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 322, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-10; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 182, § 3; P.L. 2018, ch. 279, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-10. - Presidential electors — Time and manner of voting — Election by plurality.

§ 17-4-10. Presidential electors — Time and manner of voting — Election by plurality.
The people of this state, qualified by law to vote for general offices, shall elect as many electors of president and vice-president of the United States that the state is or shall be entitled to at town, ward, and district meetings on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November, in every fourth (4th) year, commencing in 1960, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 19 of this title, and the several candidates having a plurality of the legal votes given in at the election shall be elected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 827, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 17, § 1; P.L. 1917, ch. 1507, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 16, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 323, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-1; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-10; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-11. - Meeting of electors — Vacancies.

§ 17-4-11. Meeting of electors — Vacancies.
Presidential electors elected pursuant to this chapter shall meet in the state house in the city of Providence on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December after their election, at the hour of 12 o’clock noon of that day, and if there is any vacancy in the office of electors, occasioned by death, refusal to act, neglect to attend, or other cause, the electors present shall immediately proceed to fill, by roll call and by a plurality of votes, the vacancy in the electoral college; and when the electors appear, or the vacancy is filled as provided in this section, they shall proceed to perform the duties required of electors by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 827, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 17, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 16, § 6; P.L. 1929, ch. 1407, § 1; G.L. 1936, ch. 16, § 5; P.L. 1936 (s.s.), ch. 2439, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 323, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-3; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-11; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4 - Federal Elective Officers › Section 17-4-12. - Attendance of governor and secretary of state — Certificates required by federal law.

§ 17-4-12. Attendance of governor and secretary of state — Certificates required by federal law.
It shall be the duty of the governor and the secretary of state to be present at the state house in Providence on the day of the meeting of the electors, to make and furnish to the electors any certificates required by the laws of the United States to be forwarded to the seat of government with the votes of the electors which are made necessary by any election made pursuant to the provisions of § 17-4-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 827, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 17, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 16, § 8; redesignated § 6 by P.L. 1936 (s.s.), ch. 2439, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 323, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-4; G.L. 1956, § 17-4-12; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-4.1 - Special Presidential Voters [Repealed.] › Section 17-4.1-1 - — 17-4.1-6. Repealed.

§ 17-4.1-1 — 17-4.1-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 152, § 5; Repealed by P.L. 1982, ch. 334, § 1, effective May 19, 1982. For present provisions concerning mail ballots, see § 17-20-1 et seq.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-5 - Statewide Referenda Elections › Section 17-5-1. - Referenda elections — Constitutional and public questions.

§ 17-5-1. Referenda elections — Constitutional and public questions.
Any proposition of amendment of the Constitution or any public question of statewide impact submitted to the electors of this state at a general election pursuant to § 17-1-2(2) held subsequent to 1997 shall be held in conformity with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 245, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 518, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 38, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 414, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 411, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-5 - Statewide Referenda Elections › Section 17-5-1.1. - Special referenda elections.

§ 17-5-1.1. Special referenda elections.
Any proposition of amendment of the Constitution or any other public question submitted to the electors of the state at any election not a general election pursuant to § 17-1-2(2) shall be held on the first Tuesday next after the first Monday of any month and shall be voted upon at town, ward, and district meetings, in accordance with the following procedure:
(1)
When an act of the general assembly is passed authorizing the submission of a question to all of the electors of the state, the secretary of state is authorized to rephrase the question to appear on the ballot in a manner that would clearly apprise the voters of the question to be voted upon and to cause the ballot to contain a concise caption of the question, and the full text of the question as adopted by the general assembly need not appear on the ballot except for proposed amendments to the Constitution of the state of Rhode Island. The secretary of state shall cause each question appearing on the ballot prepared by him or her to be designated by number, the first question to be designated by the numeral I and additional questions shall follow numbered so that all questions submitted to all the electors of the state and appearing upon the ballot are numbered consecutively; provided that local questions shall be printed on a distinctive colored background.
(2)
Prior to the election at which public questions are to be submitted, the secretary of state shall cause to be printed and shall send one copy of the full text of each legislative act to be acted upon and applicable to the state at large, or the secretary of state may substitute a description of the text of each act in lieu of the full text, to each residential unit in Rhode Island together with the following information:
(i)
The designated number of the question appearing on the ballot;
(ii)
A brief caption of the question appearing on the ballot; and
(iii)
A brief explanation of the measure being the subject matter of the question.
(3)
Voting on a proposition of amendment of the Constitution or of a public question of statewide impact shall be by means of optical-scan voting equipment and computer ballots authorized pursuant to this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 381, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 1983 (s.s.), ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 4; P.L. 2018, ch. 182, § 4; P.L. 2018, ch. 279, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-5 - Statewide Referenda Elections › Section 17-5-2. - Repealed.

§ 17-5-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 245, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2006, ch. 80, § 1, effective June 13, 2006.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-5 - Statewide Referenda Elections › Section 17-5-3. - Publication of questions to be submitted to voters.

§ 17-5-3. Publication of questions to be submitted to voters.
(a)
Prior to each general election at which public questions are to be submitted, the secretary of state shall cause to be printed and shall send one copy of the full text of each legislative act to be acted upon and applicable to the state at large, or the secretary of state may substitute a description of the text of each act in lieu of the full text, to each residential unit in Rhode Island together with the following information:
(1)
The designated number of the question;
(2)
A brief caption of the question;
(3)
A brief explanation of the measure that is the subject matter of the question; and
(4)
A notice that voter fraud is a felony and the penalty for voter fraud. This notice shall be in conspicuous lettering and shall contain the following language: “You must be registered to vote from your actual place of residence.”
(b)
If the public question involves the issuance of bonds or other evidence of indebtedness or any other long term financial obligation such as a lease, the notice required by subsection (a) of this section shall also include at least the following information to be provided by the agency or department for which the bonds or other evidence of indebtedness or any other long term financial obligation is intended:
(1)
The estimated total cost of the project or program, including financing (using a reasonable assumed rate of interest), legal, and other costs.
(2)
The estimated useful life of the project, and the term of the bonds, other indebtedness, or other obligation.
(3)
A reasonably detailed description of the project or program, its purposes, and a project timetable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 245, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-5 - Statewide Referenda Elections › Section 17-5-4. - Manner of voting.

§ 17-5-4. Manner of voting.
Voting on all public questions submitted at the general election shall be by use of optical scan voting equipment and computer ballots authorized pursuant to this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 245, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-5 - Statewide Referenda Elections › Section 17-5-6. - Count of votes — Declaration of results.

§ 17-5-6. Count of votes — Declaration of results.
Through the use of optical scan voting equipment authorized pursuant to this title, the state board shall count and tabulate all votes cast and shall declare the result in the manner provided by law, and this declaration shall be a sufficient notice to all officers, and all other persons interested, of the adoption or the rejection of any amendment of the Constitution or of the manner in which any question submitted to the electors of the state has been decided.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 245, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-6 - Secretary of State › Section 17-6-1. - General powers and duties.

§ 17-6-1. General powers and duties.
(a)
The secretary of state shall have those functions, powers, and duties relating to elections that may be provided by this title or any other law not inconsistent with this chapter. The secretary of state shall maintain a central roster of all elected and appointed officers of the state, including for each officer the nature of the officer’s tenure and the date of expiration of the officer’s term of office. The secretary of state shall maintain a central register of all persons registered to vote in the several cities and towns and shall add, amend, delete, and cancel any names appearing on the register as certified to the secretary by the several local boards and by the state board.
(b)
The secretary of state may compile and publish a complete edition of the election law that the secretary shall make available to all election officials and candidates upon request and without charge. The secretary of state shall receive and file certificates of election results as provided by this title.
(c)
Notwithstanding any provisions of the general laws to the contrary, the office of the secretary of state shall have the authority to submit and approve the specifications used by the department of administration in procuring voting systems, voting system-related services, and accessible voting equipment on behalf of the state.
(d)
The secretary of state, with the assistance of the board of elections, shall conduct a cybersecurity assessment of election systems and facilities. The cybersecurity assessment shall include an assessment of the voter registration system, voting equipment, mechanisms to transmit election results, electronic poll books, and security of facilities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 191, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 293, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 366, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 476, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 59, § 1, effective June 15, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 60, § 1, effective June 15, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-6 - Secretary of State › Section 17-6-1.1. - Central voter register.

§ 17-6-1.1. Central voter register.
In addition to any other powers and duties given to the secretary by this title, the secretary of state is authorized to issue rules and regulations relative to the central voter register, and local boards of canvassers are hereby directed to comply with reasonable requests by the secretary of state for information to accurately maintain the central voter register.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-6 - Secretary of State › Section 17-6-1.2. - Statewide central voter register.

§ 17-6-1.2. Statewide central voter register.
(a)
Given the development of the necessary technology and the potential availability of federal funds, the secretary of state shall procure a statewide central voter register in accordance with all relevant state purchasing requirements. The system shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
A statewide database maintained by the secretary of state;
(2)
All necessary hardware and software for the thirty-nine (39) local boards of canvassers to maintain their local voter registration records;
(3)
All necessary hardware and software necessary for the electronic integration of voter registration records from the division of motor vehicles;
(4)
All necessary hardware and software for the electronic integration of voter registration records from certain agencies processing voter registrations in accordance with § 17-9.1-8 where the secretary of state finds that the number of registrations processed warrants the electronic integration; and
(5)
Additional terminals for access to the voter files as determined by the secretary of state.
(b)
Local boards of canvassers will have the responsibility and sole authority for any addition, correction, or deletion of information from their local voting records. The office of the secretary of state, or the designee of the secretary of state, shall provide training and technical support for all local boards of canvassers in the operation and maintenance of their local voter registration system.
(c)
The format and structure of the database shall be developed by the office of the secretary of state in conjunction with the vendor to whom the contract is awarded.
(d)
Funding for the procurement of the statewide central voter register shall be through federal funds appropriated to the state of Rhode Island, subject to appropriation by the general assembly, pursuant to election reform legislation adopted by the United States Congress in 2002.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 192, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-6 - Secretary of State › Section 17-6-1.3. - Designation of Chief State Election Official under the National Voter Registration Act.

§ 17-6-1.3. Designation of Chief State Election Official under the National Voter Registration Act.
The secretary of state is designated as the chief state election official under section 10 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-8) to be responsible for the coordination of the State of Rhode Island’s responsibilities under that Act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 30, § 1.