2023 -- H 5461
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LC001283
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
Introduced By: Representatives Sanchez, Morales, Stewart, Giraldo, Henries, Biah, and
Alzate
Date Introduced: February 08, 2023
Referred To: House State Government & Elections
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 17-9.1-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-9.1 entitled 1
"Registration of Voters" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
17-9.1-11. Certification of citizenship. 3
(a) Before the name of any person shall be placed on the voting list, the person shall, at the 4
time of registration, certify or declare that the person is a citizen of the United States. 5
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any city or town may, 6
by ordinance, allow all residents of the municipality to vote in municipal elections for municipal 7
officeholders regardless of the immigration status of the residents. 8
(c) The local board of canvassers, in conjunction with the secretary of state and the board 9
of elections, shall develop the forms and instructions to implement the provisions of subsection (b) 10
of this section as well as any rules and regulations necessary to ensure that any ballot for municipal 11
officeholders only is kept separate and apart from ballots distributed to voters pursuant to 12
subsection (a) of this section and counted separately for transmission to the board of elections. 13
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 14
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LC001283 - Page 2 of 2
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
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This act would authorize cities and towns, by ordinance, to allow all their residents to vote 1
in municipal elections for municipal officeholders regardless of the immigration status of their 2
residents. 3
This act would take effect upon passage. 4
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