RI S2136

Party chairpersons must submit lists of party voters to the mayor or council president within 30 days of notice of a vacancy on the local canvassing authority, and the mayor or council president must nominate a replacement within 30 days of receiving those lists.

Six-year terms for canvassing authority members and alternates must expire on a staggered basis on the first Monday of March in odd-numbered years, with city or town clerks required to immediately correct any noncompliant term expiration dates on record.

Local canvassing boards must designate a chief local election official (typically the town or city clerk) who serves as the primary administrative contact and liaison to the Secretary of State and state board of elections.

The chief local election official must designate an alternate and maintain emergency contact information for themselves, the alternate, and the board of canvassers chairperson on file with state election authorities.

Only the chief local election official is authorized to request user access to the statewide central voter register through the Secretary of State; the act takes effect January 1, 2027.