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Rhode IslandH73772026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES .

Sponsored By: Lauren H. Carson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Chief local election official duties

Beginning January 1, 2027, the town or city clerk, or a board-designated election administrator, is the chief local election official. This person is the main contact with the Secretary of State and the state board of elections. They must name an alternate and keep emergency contacts for the chief, the alternate, and the board chair on file with the state. Under the board’s direction, the chief must ask the Secretary of State to add, change, or remove user access to the statewide voter register for local staff who need it.

Clear rules to pick local election boards

Beginning January 1, 2027, cities and towns follow set steps to fill local election boards. The mayor, or the council president if there is no mayor, must pick nominees from party lists that have five times the number of open seats. A nominee must be sent within 30 days, and if rejected, another name must be sent within 30 days until the seat is filled. If a party chair does not send a list within 30 days, the appointing official may nominate any qualified voter from the party due the seat. When a vacancy leaves two members from different parties, each recognized party may send a list, and the appointing official must choose from those lists. An alternate may only fill in for an absent member of the same party.

Six-year terms and meeting quorums

Beginning January 1, 2027, members serve six-year terms that start on the first Monday in March after appointment. Terms must be staggered so expirations fall on the first Monday in March of odd-numbered years. City and town clerks must fix any records that show the wrong end dates. Alternates also serve six-year terms that end on that March date in an odd year. One member is enough to receive registrations; two members are needed for all other actions.

Who can serve on election boards

Beginning January 1, 2027, officers or employees of the U.S., the State of Rhode Island, or the city or town cannot serve on a local election board. In a city, a board member may also serve as the board’s clerk. A member who becomes a candidate and does not file a timely declination is disqualified and must be replaced.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lauren H. Carson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Evan P. Shanley

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 174 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

LOCAL CANVASSING AUTH PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2026

LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES PASSAGE

Yes: 67 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 420

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/11/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/11/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/9/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/8/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/5/2026

  10. Referred to Senate Judiciary

    5/1/2026Senate

  11. House read and passed

    4/30/2026House

  12. Placed on House Calendar (04/30/2026)

    4/24/2026House

  13. Committee recommends passage

    3/31/2026

  14. Scheduled for consideration (03/31/2026)

    3/27/2026

  15. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/5/2026

  16. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/05/2026)

    1/30/2026

  17. Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • H7377 - As Introduced

    1/28/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H7377 - Substitute

    1/28/2026

    HTMLPDF

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