reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-19 - Conduct of Election and Voting Equipment, and Supplies › Section 17-19-53. - Voter accompanied by children within voting booth.

§ 17-19-53. Voter accompanied by children within voting booth.
Nothing contained in the general laws of Rhode Island shall prevent a voter from being accompanied by a child or children who are under the age of eighteen (18) years while the voter is within the voting booth area, provided that the child or children are under the voter’s care and supervision.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 419, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-19 - Conduct of Election and Voting Equipment, and Supplies › Section 17-19-54. - Bilingual voting material requirements.

§ 17-19-54. Bilingual voting material requirements.
(a)
Pursuant to Section 203 of the Federal Voting Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973aa-la, a city or town shall be subject to the provisions of the bilingual voting materials requirement whenever the Director of the Census determines, based on census data, that:
(1)
More than five percent (5%) of the citizens of voting age of a city or town are members of a single language minority and are limited-English proficient; or
(2)(i)
More than ten thousand (10,000) of the citizens of voting age of a city or town are members of a single language minority and are limited-English proficient; and
(ii)
The illiteracy rate of the citizens in the language minority as a group is higher than the national illiteracy rate.
(b)
Whenever a city or town subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section provides any registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots, it shall provide them in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the English language.
(c)
Whenever the state provides any registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots, to a city or town subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, it shall provide them in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the English language.
(d)
The provisions of this section shall apply to all ballots issued or required under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 396, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-1. - Voting by mail ballot.

§ 17-20-1. Voting by mail ballot.
The electors of this state who, for any of the reasons set forth in § 17-20-2, being otherwise qualified to vote, shall have the right to vote, in the manner and time provided by this chapter, in all general and special elections and primaries, including presidential primaries in this state for electors of president and vice-president of the United States, United States senators in Congress, representatives in Congress, general officers of the state, senators and representatives in the general assembly for the respective districts in which the elector is duly qualified to vote, and for any other officers whose names appear on the state ballot and for any city, town, ward, or district officers whose names appear on the respective city or town ballots in the ward or district of the city or town in which the elector is duly qualified to vote, and also to approve or reject any proposition of amendment to the Constitution or other propositions appearing on the state, city, or town ballot.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-1.1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 17-20-1.1. Declaration of policy.
Those electors who vote by mail are entitled to vote in a manner which reasonably guarantees the secrecy of their ballots. The procedures set forth in this chapter are designed to promote the effective exercise of their rights while safeguarding those voters who utilize the mail ballot process from harassment, intimidation, and invasion of privacy. The procedures are intended to prevent misuse of the electoral system. The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted to effectuate the policies set forth in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 7; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-2. - Eligibility for mail ballots.

§ 17-20-2. Eligibility for mail ballots.
Any otherwise qualified elector may vote by mail ballot in the following circumstances:
(1)
An elector, within the State of Rhode Island who is incapacitated to the extent that it would be an undue hardship to vote at the polls because of illness, or mental or physical disability, blindness, or serious impairment of mobility;
(2)
An elector who is confined in any hospital, convalescent home, nursing home, rest home, or similar institution, public or private, within the State of Rhode Island;
(3)
An elector who will be temporarily absent from the state because of employment or service intimately connected with military operations or who is a spouse or legal dependent residing with that person, or a United States citizen who will be outside of the United States;
(4)
An elector who chooses to vote by mail for any reason.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 407, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 8; P.L. 1984, ch. 231, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 41; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 41; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-2.3. - Online application for mail ballot.

§ 17-20-2.3. Online application for mail ballot.
(a)
In addition to any other available means of applying for a mail ballot, the secretary of state shall establish and maintain a system through which voters may apply for a mail ballot online.
(b)
Applications filed using such system shall be considered filed on the calendar date the application is initially transmitted by the voter through the online mail ballot application system.
(c)
A voter shall be able to apply for a mail ballot using the online ballot application system when the voter:
(1)
Completes an online mail ballot application form, established by the secretary of state, substantially similar to the paper-based mail ballot application form established by § 17-20-13;
(2)
Affirms, subject to penalty of perjury, by means of electronic or manual signature, that the information contained in the mail ballot application is true; and
(3)
Verifies the voter’s identity by providing the voter’s date of birth and a Rhode Island driver’s license number or state identification number.
(d)
The portal for mail ballot applications shall be available in any language required by federal or state voting rights laws.
(e)
To ensure full, equal, and independent access to all voters with disabilities, the portal for mail ballot applications shall comply with all requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12165, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 compliance level AA.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 6, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 6, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-3. - Definitions.

§ 17-20-3. Definitions.
(a)
Wherever used in this chapter, every word importing only the masculine gender is construed to extend to, and include, females as well as males.
(b)
Whenever used in this chapter, “bipartisan pairs of supervisors” for primaries means a supervisor representing the endorsed candidates and a supervisor representing a majority of unendorsed candidates, and for nonpartisan elections and primaries means non-partisan pairs of supervisors.
(c)
Wherever used in this chapter, “employed outside of the United States” includes any person who is:
(1)
Employed by any agency, department, or division of the United States government and who, by reason of that employment, resides outside of the continental United States;
(2)
Employed outside the territorial limits of the United States; or
(3)
A spouse or dependent residing with persons so employed.
(d)
Wherever used in this chapter, “services intimately connected with military operations” includes members of religious groups or welfare agencies assisting members of the armed forces who are officially attached to and serving with the armed forces and their spouses and dependents, and the spouses and dependents of members of the armed forces and of the merchant marine; provided, that the spouses and dependents are residing outside of the state with the members of the armed forces, merchant marine, or members of the religious or welfare agencies.
(e)
Whenever a signature is required by a voter in this chapter, “signature” also means the voter’s mark “X” if the person is unable to sign his or her name because of physical incapacity or otherwise.
(f)
Whenever used in this chapter, “bipartisan” means not of the same recognized political party.
(g)
Whenever used in this chapter, “emergency” voting pursuant to § 17-20-2.2(g) shall be construed to mean “early” voting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 459, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-4. - Exemption from registration.

§ 17-20-4. Exemption from registration.
Any member of the armed forces or of the merchant marine of the United States in active service, any person absent from the state in the performance of “services intimately connected with military operations”, as defined in § 17-20-3(d), and any person employed outside of the United States, as defined in § 17-20-3(c) who, except for registration, would be a qualified elector of this state, shall be exempt during the period of his or her service or employment and for two (2) years thereafter from the registration requirements of the Constitution of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 358, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 410, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-5. - Residence of person in service or employed outside of the United States.

§ 17-20-5. Residence of person in service or employed outside of the United States.
The “residence”, as defined in § 17-1-3.1, of any person immediately prior to the commencement of that person’s active service as a member of the armed forces or of the merchant marine of the United States, or immediately prior to his or her absence from the state in the performance of “services intimately connected with military operations” as defined in § 17-20-3(d), or immediately prior to his or her employment outside of the United States as defined in § 17-20-3(c), shall, for the purposes of this chapter, continue to be that person’s residence during the time of his or her service and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, unless the person changes his or her residence by registering or by taking other appropriate action to qualify to vote in another city or town within this state or in another state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 10; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-6. - Alternative methods of voting.

§ 17-20-6. Alternative methods of voting.
Any qualified elector who is a member of the armed forces or of the merchant marine of the United States, or who is absent from the state in the performance of “services intimately connected with military operations” as defined in § 17-20-3(c), and any qualified elector of this state exempt from registration under § 17-20-4, shall have the right to vote at his or her option during the period of his or her service and for two (2) years thereafter by any one of the following methods:
(1)
If the person is present within the state on the day of any election, that person shall have the right to vote in the manner prescribed in chapter 19 of this title, subject to any other provisions of this chapter.
(2)
If the person is absent from the state on the day of any election, that person has the right to vote by absentee ballot in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, upon compliance with its provisions.
(3)(i)
The elector may cast an official federal absentee ballot federal write-in absentee ballot “FWAB” in accordance with the laws of the United States.
(ii)
The elector may use the “FWAB” to cast a vote for each federal, state and local office for which he or she is entitled to vote in a general, primary or special election.
(4)
The elector may also cast an official state blank ballot issued by the office of the secretary of state in accordance with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 358, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-6.2. - Designation of single state office to provide information on registration and absentee ballot procedures under the Help America Vote Act.

§ 17-20-6.2. Designation of single state office to provide information on registration and absentee ballot procedures under the Help America Vote Act.
The secretary of state is designated as the single state office responsible for providing information regarding voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures under Section 702 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252) [see 42 U.S.C. § 1973ff-1(a) and (b)] and shall be responsible for the coordination of the state of Rhode Island’s responsibilities under that section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 234, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-7. - Duplication of votes — Methods preferred.

§ 17-20-7. Duplication of votes — Methods preferred.
(a)
In no event shall more than one vote be cast by any individual for any one office or proposition.
(b)
In the event that any person votes in person and also attempts to vote by mail ballot or by an official state blank ballot or an official federal absentee ballot, as the case may be, the mail and the official state blank ballot and the official federal absentee ballot, as the case may be, shall be destroyed and not counted.
(c)
In the event that any person casts a mail ballot and an official federal absentee ballot and/or official state blank ballot, the mail ballot shall be counted, but the official federal absentee and/or the official state blank ballot shall be destroyed and not counted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 358, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-8. - Application for ballot.

§ 17-20-8. Application for ballot.
(a)
Whenever any person is unable to sign his or her name because of physical incapacity or otherwise, that person shall make his or her mark “X”.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter as to time and manner thereof, it shall be the duty of the applicant to cause the mail ballot application or the emergency mail ballot application, as the case may be, to be processed by the local board so that the applicant may receive the ballot, cast it, and cause delivery thereof to be made to the state board not later than eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. on the date of election.
(c)
The local board shall maintain a separate list of names and addresses of all applicants and a copy of the list shall be made available for inspection to any person upon request.
(d)
Any person knowingly and willfully making a false application or certification or knowingly and willfully aiding and abetting in the making of a false application or certification shall be guilty of a felony.
(e)
Voters shall be able to apply for a mail ballot electronically through the voter registration portal established by § 17-20-2.3.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 407, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 10; P.L. 1984, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 351, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 358, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 55, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-8.1. - Repealed.

§ 17-20-8.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 398, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 261, § 1, effective July 21, 1992.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-9. - Application by permanently disabled or incapacitated voters and nursing home residents.

§ 17-20-9. Application by permanently disabled or incapacitated voters and nursing home residents.
(a)
A voter who is indefinitely confined because of physical illness or infirmity or is disabled for an indefinite period or who is a long-term resident in a nursing home, may, by signing an affidavit to that effect, request that a mail ballot application be sent to him or her automatically for every election. The affidavit form and instructions shall be prescribed by the secretary of state, and furnished upon request to any elector by each local board of canvassers. The envelope containing the mail ballot application shall be clearly marked as not forwardable. If any elector is no longer indefinitely confined or is no longer residing in a nursing home, he or she shall notify the clerk of the local board of canvassers of this fact. The clerk shall remove the name of any voter from the mailing list established under this section upon receipt of reliable information that a voter no longer qualifies for the service. The voter shall be notified of the action within five (5) days after the board takes the action.
(b)
The affidavit form and instructions prescribed in this section shall be mailed to the applicant along with a stamped return envelope addressed to the local boards of canvassers. The secretary of state may process applications pursuant to this section through the online mail ballot application portal established by § 17-20-2.3.
(c)
For purposes of this section, “nursing home” refers to facilities defined and licensed by the department of health. “Long-term” excludes any residents temporarily residing in such a facility for rehabilitation.
(d)
The secretary of state shall maintain a list in the central voter registration system of all voters who automatically receive applications for mail ballots, pursuant to this section.
(e)
[Expires December 31, 2025.]
Eligible disabled voters shall be entitled to electronically receive and return their mail ballot, using the same electronic transmission system as that used by voters covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This electronic process shall satisfy the federal Rehabilitation Act, section 508 concerning accessibility standards.
(f)
[Expires December 31, 2025.]
For purposes of this section, “eligible disabled voter” means a person with disabilities eligible to vote who is incapacitated to such an extent that it would be an undue hardship to vote at the polls because of illness, mental or physical disability, blindness, or a serious impairment of mobility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 11; P.L. 1988, ch. 297, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 188, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 189, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2023, ch. 395, art. 2, § 4, effective June 27, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-9.1. - Application by member of the armed forces in active service.

§ 17-20-9.1. Application by member of the armed forces in active service.
(a)
A voter who is a member of the armed forces in active service may, by certification to that effect by the voter’s civilian or military commander or noncommissioned officer in charge of the particular duty station, require that an absentee ballot application be sent to the voter automatically for every election during the period of time for which the voter has been assigned to that duty station. The certification by the civilian or military commander or noncommissioned officer in charge of the particular duty station shall be prepared in form by the secretary of state and shall include the name of the military personnel, the address to which the voter’s application shall be mailed, the name and signature of the military or civilian commander or noncommissioned officer completing the certification, and the expected date of reassignment or discharge of that service person from that duty station.
(b)
Notification of removal from the mailing list shall be sent to the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 413, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 210, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-9.2. - Application by member of the armed forces in active service registered to vote using the federal postcard application (FPCA).

§ 17-20-9.2. Application by member of the armed forces in active service registered to vote using the federal postcard application (FPCA).
(a)
A voter who is a member of the armed forces in active service may, by certification to that effect by the voter’s civilian or military commander or noncommissioned officer in charge of the particular duty station, require that an absentee ballot be sent to the voter automatically if that voter has registered to vote using the federal postcard application (FPCA), for every election during the period of time for which the voter has been assigned to that duty station. The certification by the civilian or military commander or noncommissioned officer in charge of the duty station may be prepared in form by the secretary of state and shall include the name of the military personnel, the address to which the voter’s application shall be mailed, the name and signature of the military or civilian commander or noncommissioned officer completing the certification, and the expected date of reassignment or discharge of that service person from that duty station.
(b)
Notification of removal from the mailing list shall be sent to the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 210, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-9.3. - Application by a civilian employed by the United States government and residing outside of the continental United States.

§ 17-20-9.3. Application by a civilian employed by the United States government and residing outside of the continental United States.
(a)
A voter who is employed by any agency, department, or division of the United States government who by reason of that employment resides outside of the continental United States may, by certification to that effect by the voter’s employer, require that an absentee ballot be sent to the voter automatically if that voter has registered to vote using the federal post card application (FPCA), for every election during the period of time for which the voter will reside outside of the continental United States. The certification by the employer shall be prepared in form by the secretary of state and shall include the name of the civilian employee, the address to which the voter’s application shall be mailed, the name and signature of the employer completing the certification, and the length of time for which the individual will reside outside of the continental United States by reason of his or her employment.
(b)
Notification of removal from the mailing list shall be sent to the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 390, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-10.1. - Repealed.

§ 17-20-10.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 309, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch, 121, § 3, effective January 1, 2002. For present comparable provisions, see § 17-20-6.1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-10.2. - Official state blank ballots.

§ 17-20-10.2. Official state blank ballots.
In the event the official ballot is not available for issuance and mailing forty-five (45) days before a general, primary, or special election, persons applying for a mail ballot under subdivision 17-20-2(3) and persons applying for a mail ballot through the use of the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) shall be issued an official state blank ballot forty-five (45) days before the election. Additionally, the voter shall be sent the official ballot immediately upon the ballots becoming available. The office of secretary of state shall be responsible for the arrangement, preparation, printing and distribution of the official state blank ballots. The secretary of state shall also be responsible for all accompanying candidate listings to the extent that information is available, instruction sheets, and envelopes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 358, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-11. - Safekeeping of lists of applicants.

§ 17-20-11. Safekeeping of lists of applicants.
The copies of certified applications and the certified lists returned to the several local boards shall be safely kept in the custody of the boards until the first day of September in the second (2nd) year after the boards have received the lists.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-12. - Secretary of state to furnish forms and supplies.

§ 17-20-12. Secretary of state to furnish forms and supplies.
All mail ballots, application forms, certified envelopes for enclosing ballots, any other envelopes that may be necessary, and instructions as to voting, use of ballots, and affidavits, shall be furnished and supplied by the secretary of state for use in mailing application forms, ballots, and other supplies to mail voters to carry out the provisions of this chapter, but each local board shall print or stamp upon the application form and upon the return envelope the address of the local board. The secretary of state is authorized to interpret and apply the provisions of this chapter in a manner that effects the legislative intention set forth in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-14. - Voting from hospitals, convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest homes or similar institutions, public or private, within the State of Rhode Island — Penalty for interference.

§ 17-20-14. Voting from hospitals, convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest homes or similar institutions, public or private, within the State of Rhode Island — Penalty for interference.
(a)
The state board of elections shall appoint as many bipartisan pairs of supervisors as are necessary whose duty it shall be to attend each hospital, rest home, nursing home and convalescent home, or similar types of personal care facility in the state within twenty (20) days prior to the election. They shall supervise the casting of votes by persons using mail ballots at a place that preserves their secrecy and shall take acknowledgments, and jointly provide assistance, if requested, to assure proper marking, sealing, and mailing of ballots as voted. It shall be the duty of the person or persons in charge of hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes and convalescent homes, or similar types of personal care facility to allow the state supervisors to perform their duties as set forth in this section at all reasonable times. Every person who willfully hinders the state supervisors in performing their duties as set forth in this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)
It shall be the responsibility of the state board of elections to provide all bipartisan pairs of supervisors with an official identification card. All bipartisan pairs of supervisors will be required to have in their possession their identification card when conducting official business.
(c)
Any person who deliberately misrepresents themselves as an official of the board of elections, or who deceives, coerces, or interferes with a voter casting a ballot, shall be subject to prosecution under § 17-20-30.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 500, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 459, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-14.1. - Mail ballots — Local supervision.

§ 17-20-14.1. Mail ballots — Local supervision.
Each local board shall be authorized to appoint one or more bipartisan pairs of supervisors in the manner that other bipartisan pairs of supervisors are appointed for each election, whose duty it shall be to attend each person who makes an application for a mail ballot under §§ 17-20-2.1 and 17-20-2.2, who does not fall under the provisions of § 17-20-14, and who requests that a bipartisan pair of supervisors be sent by the board of canvassers to that person’s place of residence for the purpose of supervising or assisting the mail voter in casting his or her vote. The bipartisan pairs of supervisors shall supervise the casting of votes by persons using the mail ballot at a place that preserves their secrecy and shall take acknowledgments, and jointly provide assistance, if requested, to assure proper marking, sealing, and mailing of ballots as voted. The failure or neglect of any local board to appoint these bipartisan pairs, or the failure or neglect of any pair to attend any place at which a mail voter’s ballot may be used, or the marking, sealing, or mailing of ballots in the absence of any pair, shall not invalidate any ballot.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-14.2. - Voting from board of canvassers.

§ 17-20-14.2. Voting from board of canvassers.
The local board of canvassers shall appoint as many supervisors as are necessary whose duty it shall be to supervise the casting of votes by persons using mail ballots at a place that preserves their secrecy and to take acknowledgments, and jointly provide assistance, if requested, to assure proper marking, sealing, and mailing of ballots as voted. Every certifying envelope containing a mail ballot cast at a board of canvassers must have the signature of the elector. The certifying envelope of any mail ballot voted at the local board of canvassers shall be stamped by the local board to indicate it was voted on in conformance with the law. Every person who willfully hinders the local supervisors in performing their duties as set forth in this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 14; P.L. 1984, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-15. - Repealed.

§ 17-20-15. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 253, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 407, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 3, effective January 1, 2002.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-16. - Time of casting vote.

§ 17-20-16. Time of casting vote.
Mail ballots may be cast in the manner provided by law on or before election day; provided, that no mail ballot shall be counted unless it is received by the state board not later than the time prescribed by § 17-18-11 for the closing of polling places on election day, except ballots cast under the provisions of § 17-20-6.1, which shall be counted if received by the state board by four o’clock p.m. (4:00) on the third day following a primary or four o’clock p.m. (4:00) on the seventh day following an election.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 201, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 268, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-17. - Omission of presidential electors.

§ 17-20-17. Omission of presidential electors.
Every mail ballot previously required by the provisions of law to contain the names of electors for president and vice-president of the United States shall contain the names of all candidates for president and vice-president of the United States preceded by the words “Electors for” in lieu of names of the electors for the officers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-18. - Instructions on ballot.

§ 17-20-18. Instructions on ballot.
The secretary of state may, if the secretary deems necessary, cause to be printed at the head of the ballot brief instructions for voting and the use of the ballot. The mail ballots shall, in addition to the official endorsement provided by law, bear the words: “Mail voters”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 13; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-19. - Envelopes for return of ballots.

§ 17-20-19. Envelopes for return of ballots.
Envelopes for the enclosure and return of mail ballots and their enclosing certified envelope shall have the printed or written address: “Board of Elections, 2000 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, Rhode Island 02921” or a post office box established and maintained by the board; and shall be forwarded by the secretary of state to each mail voter whose application for the mail ballot has been received and accepted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 2020, ch. 7, § 3; P.L. 2020, ch. 8, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-20. - Instructions for voting procedure.

§ 17-20-20. Instructions for voting procedure.
The secretary of state shall also cause to be prepared and printed an adequate number of copies of instructions for voting procedure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or the secretary may cause the instructions to be printed in an appropriate place on the official mail ballots.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-21. - Certifying envelopes.

§ 17-20-21. Certifying envelopes.
The secretary of state shall cause to be prepared and printed and shall furnish with each mail ballot an envelope for sealing up and certifying the ballot when returned. The envelope shall be printed in substantially the following form:
“After marking ballot or ballots, fold and enclose in this envelope and seal it. Certify to statement hereon. Enclose in envelope addressed to board of elections, which must receive the envelope not later than the time prescribed by § 17-18-11 for the closing of polling places on the day of election.”
Date of Election:_________________________________________ City/Town
of:_______________________________________
Certificate of Voter
Print Name of Voter
I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that I am:
• I am a United States citizen;
• I am a resident and qualified voter of the State of Rhode Island;
• I am eligible to cast a mail ballot under the provisions of § 17-20-2; and
• I have not and will not vote elsewhere in this election.
I hereby attest under the pains and penalty of perjury, that the enclosed voted ballot was cast by me, and that the signature or mark on this certifying envelope was made by me.
Voter must sign full name here: _______________________________________
(If unable to sign name because of physical incapacity or otherwise, voter shall make his or her mark “(X)”).
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 94, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 435, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 436, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 41; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 41; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-22. - Certification envelopes for mail ballots of persons intimately connected with military service and persons employed outside of the United States.

§ 17-20-22. Certification envelopes for mail ballots of persons intimately connected with military service and persons employed outside of the United States.
The distinctively colored certification envelope for persons intimately connected with military service and persons employed outside of the United States shall be printed in substantially the following form:
After marking ballot or ballots, fold and enclose in this envelope and seal it. Certify to statement hereon. Enclose in envelope addressed to board of elections, which must receive the envelope not later than the time prescribed by § 17-18-11 for the closing of polling places on the day of election.
Date of Election_________________________________________ City/Town of _______________________________________
Oath of Elector Casting the Enclosed
Ballot or Ballots
Print Name
I do hereby affirm, under penalty of perjury that:
• I am a United States citizen;
• I am a resident and qualified voter of the State of Rhode Island;
• I am eligible to cast a mail ballot, because I am one of the following:
• A member of the Uniformed Services or merchant marine on active duty or an eligible spouse or dependent.
• A U.S. citizen who will be outside the United States.
• I am not qualified to vote elsewhere.
_______________________________________
(Signature of voter)
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 15; P.L. 1984, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 74, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-23. - Marking and certification of ballot.

§ 17-20-23. Marking and certification of ballot.
(a)
A voter may vote for the candidates of the voter’s choice by making a mark in the space provided opposite their respective names.
(b)
In case a voter desires to vote upon a question submitted to the vote of the electors of the state, the voter shall mark in the appropriate space associated with the answer that the voter desires to give.
(c)
The voter shall enclose and seal the ballot in the envelope provided for it. The voter shall then enclose and seal the certified envelope with the ballot in the envelope addressed to the state board and cause the envelope to be delivered to the state board on or before election day.
(d)
These ballots shall be counted only if received within the time limited by this chapter.
(e)
There shall be a space provided on the general election ballot to allow the voter to write in the names of persons not in nomination by any party as provided for in §§ 17-19-31 and 17-20- 24.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 143, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 291, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 13; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 13; P.L. 2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 279, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 280, § 4; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-24. - Irregularities not impairing validity of ballots.

§ 17-20-24. Irregularities not impairing validity of ballots.
(a)
No ballot transmitted under the provisions of this chapter shall be rejected for any immaterial addition, omission, or irregularity in the preparation or execution of the computer ballot, nor for failure of the voter to affix sufficient postage. No ballot shall be invalid by reason of mistake or omission in writing in the name of any candidate where the candidate intended by the voter is plainly identifiable. Where, because of any defect in marking, a ballot is held invalid as to any particular candidate for office, it shall remain valid as to the candidates for other offices. No ballot shall be invalid by reason of the voter writing upon the inner envelope the name of a community within a town in place of the name of the town. No defect in the marking of the appropriate space associated with casting a vote shall invalidate any ballot or a vote for any candidate, where the intention of the voter is clearly indicated.
(b)
No ballot shall be rejected if the intention of the voter is clear unless it contains clear evidence of the identity of the voter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 15; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 13; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-24.1. - Irregularities in obtaining and casting mail ballots.

§ 17-20-24.1. Irregularities in obtaining and casting mail ballots.
The requirements set forth by this chapter controlling mail ballot eligibility and the procedure by which mail ballots are obtained and cast shall be strictly applied to assure the integrity of the electoral system. No mail ballot which was not obtained and/or cast in material conformance with the provisions of this title shall be certified by the board of elections. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require the disqualification of a ballot merely because the elector did not sign the elector’s full name as it is listed on the voter registration list, but omitted or included a middle initial or name, abbreviated a first and/or middle name, or made a similar omission or inclusion, as long as the board of elections can reasonably determine the identity of the voter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 16; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-25. - Return of unused ballots.

§ 17-20-25. Return of unused ballots.
Every voter who has received a mail ballot and has not cast it shall nevertheless return the unvoted ballot and its uncertified enclosing envelope to the state board or local board with a statement that the voter is not using the mail ballot, before eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. on election day.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 55, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 58, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-27. - Sealing of ballots and voting list.

§ 17-20-27. Sealing of ballots and voting list.
The state board shall, at the completion of the count of all votes cast at any election, securely store all ballots cast in the election, and after the certification of the results of the elections, the state board shall place all ballots received from mail voters together with the certified envelopes containing the ballots in a steel box or package and shall seal the ballots and envelopes in open meetings of the board by affixing at least four (4) adhesive labels, and the members of the board shall sign the labels by affixing their signatures in ink to each of the labels, and thereafter no steel box or package shall upon any pretense be reopened by any person, except upon order of the general assembly or a court of competent jurisdiction, but shall be held by the board for twenty-two (22) months, when they may then be destroyed. The certified copies of the voting lists of mail voters and the applications referred to in § 17-20-10 shall likewise be safely sealed and kept by the board for the same length of time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 277, § 13; P.L. 1996, ch. 298, § 13; P.L. 2015, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 84, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-28. - Copies of chapter furnished to local boards.

§ 17-20-28. Copies of chapter furnished to local boards.
On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of September in any year in which a general state or congressional district election is held, the secretary of state shall send to the local boards an attested copy of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 17-20 - Mail Ballots › Section 17-20-29. - Mail applicant not permitted to vote at polls.

§ 17-20-29. Mail applicant not permitted to vote at polls.
(a)
No person, or one claiming to be that person, whose name has been marked upon any voting list, provided for official use at any election, with the mark as provided by § 17-20-10, shall be permitted to vote in person at the election; provided, that the person may re-establish his or her right to vote in person by presenting himself or herself at that person’s local board on or before election day and surrendering his or her mail ballot. Upon that surrender the person’s name shall be restored to the voting list. Any person whose name has been marked on the voting list may also be permitted to vote in person if that person executes and delivers to the local board an affidavit stating that the person did not receive the mail ballot, or that the mail ballot was lost or destroyed.
(b)
Each local board shall, immediately after the close of the polls, certify and deliver to the state board the names and addresses of all persons restored to the voting list, together with the affidavits and surrendered ballots received pursuant to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2.