Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2131

Introduced
1/25/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters In 2022 Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)

Impact

If approved, this bill will replace the existing election rules stated in Article IV, Section 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution. The proposed change mandates that beginning in 2026, governor and lieutenant governor candidates will run as a single team, thereby altering the electoral landscape. Supporters argue that this initiative will mitigate potential governance issues stemming from a divided executive leadership while promoting unity between the two roles. This amendment may also influence campaign strategies and primary elections, as candidates for governor may run without a lieutenant governor candidate in primaries, allowing for more flexibility.

Summary

Bill S2131 proposes a significant amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution, requiring that the governor and lieutenant governor appear jointly on the ballot starting from the 2026 election. This joint candidacy aims to streamline the electoral process by ensuring that voters select both state leaders as a team rather than individually. By doing so, the legislation seeks to foster a stronger partnership between the two offices, enhancing governance effectiveness by aligning the elected leaders' priorities and agendas. The proposal signals a shift towards collaborative leadership and aims to bolster transparency in government.

Contention

Notably, this proposed change might face contention among legislators and constituents. Critics may raise concerns about the implications of eliminating the separate election of the governor and lieutenant governor on democratic representation, arguing that individual votes are crucial to reflecting voter preferences. Additionally, some may question whether this shift could limit electoral choices for voters who might prefer different candidates for these offices. The requirement for joint candidacies could also lead to strategic campaigning, potentially forcing candidates to prioritize alliance-building over individual strengths.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0147

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)

RI HB42

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the governor and lieutenant governor are elected jointly

RI HB50

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the governor and lieutenant governor are elected jointly

RI HB275

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the governor and lieutenant governor are elected jointly

RI HB113

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the governor and lieutenant are elected jointly

RI H5189

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)

RI H7119

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE-OF ELECTIONS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE (Proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing four (4) year terms for members of the general assembly, elected members from even numbered districts would begin to be elected to four (4) year terms.)

RI H7072

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2026 election.)

RI H5086

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)

RI H5139

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would create four (4) year terms for general assembly members and impose term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2028 election.)

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