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Rhode IslandH70072026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS .

Sponsored By: William W. O'Brien (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Secure electronic ballots and counting

Beginning December 31, 2025, the Secretary of State only approves electronic ballot systems that pass independent security reviews and meet NIST cybersecurity standards. Ballots sent electronically must be returned electronically to the State Board of Elections. The state board counts those ballots under rules it issues.

Accessible electronic ballots for disabled voters

Beginning December 31, 2025, eligible disabled voters can get and return mail ballots electronically, using the same system as overseas and military voters. The system must meet Section 508 accessibility standards. These disability electronic ballot rules are subject to separate sunset language dated December 31, 2025.

Automatic mail-ballot applications for voters

Beginning December 31, 2025, you can sign up to get a mail-ballot application for every election. Local boards must mail you the form and instructions with a stamped return envelope addressed to the local board. The Secretary of State may also process your request through the online mail-ballot portal. If you no longer qualify, the local board must remove you and notify you within five days. The state keeps a central list of voters who get automatic applications.

Easier overseas and military voting

Beginning December 31, 2025, more people can use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to get an absentee ballot. This includes service members on active duty, people doing military-related services, workers outside the U.S., and U.S. citizens living abroad. One FPCA can cover primaries and elections through the next federal general election, or as long as federal law allows. If you send your FPCA electronically, it must reach the Secretary of State by the absentee deadline. The secretary forwards it to your local board, which must certify it and arrange ballots by mail and electronically. No witness or notary is needed for your FPCA signature or for the certification envelope for a ballot requested with an FPCA.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William W. O'Brien

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Samuel A. Azzinaro

    Democratic • House

  • Nathan W. Biah

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur J. Corvese

    Democratic • House

  • Matthew S. Dawson

    Democratic • House

  • Carol Hagan McEntee

    Democratic • House

  • Thomas E. Noret

    Democratic • House

  • Earl A. Read, III

    Democratic • House

  • Evan P. Shanley

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 162 • No: 11

Senate vote • 3/26/2026

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 33 • No: 3

House vote • 2/5/2026

MAIL BALLOTS PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 68 • No: 0

House vote • 2/5/2026

MAIL BALLOTS PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 61 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 003

    3/31/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    3/26/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed as amended in concurrence

    3/26/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (03/26/2026)

    3/20/2026Senate

  5. Committee recommends passage as amended in concurrence

    2/26/2026

  6. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2026)

    2/23/2026

  7. Meeting postponed (02/24/2026)

    2/23/2026

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

    2/20/2026

  9. Referred to Senate Judiciary

    2/6/2026Senate

  10. House passed as amended (floor amendment)

    2/5/2026House

  11. Placed on House Calendar (02/05/2026)

    1/30/2026House

  12. Committee recommends passage

    1/27/2026

  13. Scheduled for consideration (01/27/2026)

    1/23/2026

  14. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    1/15/2026

  15. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/15/2026)

    1/9/2026

  16. Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections

    1/7/2026House

Bill Text

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