Election Law (H 7381, S 2298)

Rhode Island’s 2006 elections highlighted significant election law problems generated by restrictive Board of Elections’ policies. Although the problems were not as pronounced in 2008, the agency’s regulations continue to substantially and unfairly limit the counting of provisional ballots and the rights of candidates to contest disputed ballots during recounts of close elections. Hoping to forestall similar problems in the up-coming election year, the ACLU has reintroduced a bill designed to clarify the election statutes and strengthen the franchise in Rhode Island.