Requires verification of applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license or state identification number with all mail ballot, mail ballot applications and emergency mail ballots.
By amending Sections 17-20-2.1 and 17-20-2.2 of the General Laws, this act introduces stricter identification requirements for voters seeking mail ballots. The new regulations are positioned to fortify the electoral process in Rhode Island, aligning with broader national trends towards increased voter verification measures. Should this bill be enacted, local boards of canvassers will be responsible for implementing the provisions required by the new law, which could lead to changes in how mail ballots are processed and validated across the state.
House Bill 7247, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly on January 19, 2024, focuses on the verification requirements for mail ballot applications. The bill specifies that any elector applying for a mail ballot or emergency mail ballot must provide proof of date of birth along with a Rhode Island driver’s license number or state identification number. This initiative is designed to enhance the integrity of the mail voting process by ensuring that only eligible voters can access these ballots, thereby reducing potential fraud associated with mail-in voting.
Although the bill seems to aim at enhancing electoral integrity, it may also foster contention regarding accessibility for certain voter groups. Concerns may arise about the implications for voters who do not possess a Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and minority populations. Critics argue that these requirements could disenfranchise eligible voters who may find it difficult to comply with the new identification standards, making voting less accessible rather than more secure.