Requires the local board of canvassers to publish early voting dates, hours, and location, at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation and to publish the same on the municipality's website for the duration of in-person early voting period.
Impact
The amendments made by S0819 aim to enhance the transparency and accessibility of the voting process for local elections. The bill seeks to ensure that voters are adequately informed about when and where they can vote, particularly in light of increasing participation in early voting. By mandating the publication of this information in both print and digital formats, the bill strives to reach a wider audience and promote informed voter engagement.
Summary
Bill S0819 relates to the administration of elections in Rhode Island, specifically amending laws governing local canvassing authorities. The legislation requires local boards of canvassers to ensure that early voting dates, hours, and locations are published prominently. This publication must occur at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation and also on the municipality's official website throughout the duration of the early voting period. Additionally, it allows substitutions for specific advertising requirements, including online notices.
Contention
While the bill is generally aimed at improving voter access, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of these requirements, particularly for smaller municipalities that may struggle with publicizing early voting effectively across multiple platforms. Opponents might argue that the costs associated with these mandates could burden local election boards, especially amidst tightening budgets. Supporters, however, would contend that the benefits of increased voter participation and transparency outweigh the potential financial implications.
Permits the municipality to post on a website voter designation of voter registration deadline on the website for ten (10) consecutive days prior to deadline instead of a newspaper.
Permits the substitution of advertising the voter registration deadline in a newspaper by posting notice of designations on the municipality's website, continuously, for at least 10 days leading up to the last day prescribed by law.
Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.
Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.
Authorizes early voting for the fourteen (14) calendar days immediately preceding election day, while requiring, as is practicable, that all the election day protections and procedures be afforded to early voters.
Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.
Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.