Early Voting (H 7248, S 2358)

While a majority of the states have a process for in-person early voting, Rhode Island’s voters remain restricted to voting on Election Day, although in recent years the General Assembly has expanded the opportunities for absentee voting. Previous general elections have brought long lines and discouraged voters, undoubtedly discouraging Rhode Islanders from making their voices heard at the polls. In January, the ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee on a slew of election-related legislation, including in support of legislation to join the 37 other states that currently have an in-person early voting system. The ACLU testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of companion legislation in March. The legislation was not voted on in either chamber.