Changes the meeting of presidential electors from the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December after their election to the first Tuesday.
Impact
If passed, this amendment would have a direct effect on the timing of how electors convene to cast their votes following a presidential election. This could influence how stakeholders prepare for the electoral college process, including the scheduling of events and formalities related to the election results. By adjusting the date, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency with which electoral duties are carried out by the elected officials. The intended effect is to streamline the election aftermath, ensuring a more straightforward sequence of events leading up to the official presidential vote.
Summary
Bill S3059 proposes a change to the timing of the meeting of presidential electors in Rhode Island. Specifically, it amends Section 17-4-11 of the General Laws to shift the meeting from the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December to the first Tuesday after the election. The bill aims to simplify the scheduling and potentially align the state's process with practices in other jurisdictions. Given the electoral significance of the electors' meeting, this change has implications for the state's overall electoral process.
Contention
While the bill currently enjoys unanimous support as indicated by its voting history, discussions may arise regarding the broader implications of moving such a significant electoral event. Critics may argue that changing an established timeline for the meeting of electors could complicate traditions surrounding the electoral process, even if unintentionally. However, no organized opposition has been noted in the voting records, reflecting a consensus on the necessity for this legislative adjustment.
Senate Resolution Creating A Special Senate Commission To Study Non-plurality Voting Methods And Runoff Elections For General Assembly And General Officer Primaries (creates A 7 Member Commission To Study Non-plurality Voting And Runoff Elections For General Assembly And General Officer Primaries, And Report Back To The President Of The Senate By October 31, 2023, And Expire On December 31, 2023)
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.)
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.)