RI H7494

Requires applicants for mail ballots and emergency mail ballots to provide a Rhode Island driver's license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number on the application form

Replaces the requirement for mail ballot processing to occur within a "railed space" with a "secure area," and requires the Board of Elections to establish an area for public observation of the processing and certification of mail ballots in accordance with board-adopted rules

Enhances the signature verification process by allowing supervising board staff to consider additional identifiers — including driver's license/state ID numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers — when resolving signature discrepancies on mail ballot certification envelopes

Streamlines the signature dispute escalation process by removing a redundant comparison step, so that if supervising board staff continue to find a discrepancy after reviewing additional identifiers, the certification envelope is immediately segregated and the voter is notified for cure

Would take effect upon passage; introduced February 4, 2026, by Representatives Shanley, Dawson, Kennedy, J. Brien, Kazarian, Casimiro, and Solomon and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee