A new law approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly would establish a clear process for reporting and investigating cases of suspected signature fraud on candidates’ nomination papers.
The legislation was spurred by the discovery of numerous deceased people’s signatures on a congressional candidate’s nomination paper in Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district race last summer.
A campaign contractor and a paid signature gatherer working for her are currently facing charges in the case, which highlighted the need for a clear process for local boards of canvassers to report such cases to the state Board of Elections.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Dawn Euer and Rep. June S. Speakman on behalf of Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, now goes to the governor.
“I readily agreed to introduce this bill on Secretary Amore’s behalf because I share his commitment to the integrity of the electoral process,” said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol). “I am honored to sponsor this bill as it addresses and resolves concerns about the signature-gathering process that emerged in a recent election and ensures that any concerns that arise are resolved quickly, clearly and with transparency.”
The new law would codify the process for local boards of canvassers to report any suspected forgery or fraud to the Board of Elections, which would then have the power to investigate the matter and determine whether any signatures were forged.
Said Chairwoman Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown), “I am happy to sponsor this important bill from Secretary Amore that lays out clear, transparent and sensible procedures to ensure the integrity of the nomination paper process. In particular, it facilitates communication and cooperation between the boards of canvassers so that local election officials are not alone on an island when they find something that looks amiss.”
“This legislation codifies a clear, direct process through which any question regarding the validity of nomination papers can be quickly reviewed and addressed in a transparent manner – making sure there is no room for doubt in the security of this important elections process,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I thank the Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives, especially Chairwoman Easier and Representative Speakman, for their support of this legislation and their dedication to ensuring voter confidence in our elections systems.”
The new law is expected to take effect in 2025.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
