Rhode Island House Bill H6185

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Report Pass: 4/18/23
• Engrossed: 4/20/23
• Enrolled: 5/16/23
• Passed: 5/18/23

Caption

General Provisions

Impact

The proposed changes implicate significant alterations to the existing election statutes, potentially simplifying the timelines for candidates seeking office. By instituting uniform filing deadlines, the bill aims to minimize confusion among candidates regarding the submission process. This standardization could likely lead to enhanced participation in elections and facilitate the administrative duties of election officials tasked with managing candidate filings and nominations.

Summary

House Bill H6185 aims to amend various provisions within the Rhode Island General Laws related to the elections and the nomination of candidates. Specifically, the bill modifies deadlines for candidate declarations, submissions of nomination papers, and the certification of signatures by the board of canvassers. These amendments are intended to streamline the election process and ensure consistency across election timelines for both state and federal candidates.

Contention

While the bill appears to have support, notable points of contention could arise regarding its implications for candidates and local election officials. Concerns may focus on how the amendments will affect the ability of candidates to meet the modified deadlines and whether local boards will have adequate time and resources to manage increased workloads. Additionally, the specific provisions regarding the challenges to candidacy signatures could raise questions about transparency and fairness in the nomination process.