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Rhode IslandS21362026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES .

Sponsored By: Jacob Bissaillon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Bipartisan appointments to local canvassing boards

Beginning 2027-01-01, each city or town appoints a three-member canvassing board. No more than two members may be from the same party. Up to two alternates may be named with the same party limit. Party chairs must send a list with five names for each seat to fill. The mayor or council president must nominate from those lists within 30 days. If the council rejects a nominee, a new name must be sent within 30 days until approved. If a party chair does not send a list within 30 days of a vacancy notice, the mayor or council president nominates any voter from that party. When the two remaining members are from different parties, recognized local party chairs may submit lists and the same steps apply.

Chief local election official named

Beginning 2027-01-01, if the town or city clerk runs elections, that clerk (or a designee) is the chief local election official. If a separate elections office runs elections, the local board names the chief. The chief must name an alternate and keep emergency contacts on file with the Secretary of State and the State Board of Elections. Under the board’s direction, the chief tells the Secretary of State who gets access to the statewide voter register, and when to add, change, or remove that access.

New quorum rules for canvassing boards

Beginning 2027-01-01, one board member is enough to receive voter registrations. Two members are needed for all other board actions.

Six-year terms for canvassing members

Beginning 2027-01-01, canvassing board members serve six-year terms. Terms start the first Monday in March after appointment and expire on the first Monday in March of odd-numbered years. Alternates also serve six-year terms on the same schedule. Government officers or employees of the U.S., Rhode Island, or the city or town cannot serve. A member who becomes a candidate and does not file a declination is disqualified and replaced at once. Clerks must correct any recorded term dates that do not match these rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew R. Dimitri

    Democratic • Senate

  • Hanna M. Gallo

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 421

    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

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate

  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. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/26/2026

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

    2/23/2026

  12. Meeting postponed (02/24/2026)

    2/23/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

    2/20/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    1/16/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2136 - As Introduced

    1/16/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2136 - Substitute

    1/16/2026

    HTMLPDF

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