The Rhode Island Democratic Party has selected Susan Taylor of Newport as an alternate Presidential Elector for the 2024 election. Taylor, who chairs the Newport Democratic City Committee, was chosen alongside five other electors at a special State Convention held in Providence.
The convention, mandated by Rhode Island General Laws, brought together Democratic candidates for Congress, State Senate, and State House to select the state’s Presidential Electors. In a unanimous voice vote, delegates approved a slate of four primary electors and two alternates.
Taylor, a longtime Newport resident and immigration attorney, will serve as one of the two alternate electors. Her selection comes after years of involvement in local politics, including a term on the Newport City Council from 2016 to 2020.
“Congratulations to our 2024 Presidential Electors. Their roles will be vital to ensure an accurate, free, and fair Presidential Election,” said Liz Beretta-Perik, Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party.
“I am beyond honored to have been selected as an alternate elector for this historic presidential election and will proudly do my part according to what the law requires,” Taylor told What’sUpNewp.
“I deeply appreciate the work of our Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, and the local election administrators who work every day, under tremendous pressure, to ensure the integrity of our elections, both in Rhode Island and across the country,” Taylor continued. “That also includes the ordinary citizens who give of their time to work the polls on election days. These days when the integrity of our elections is being questioned, more of us should become involved and educate ourselves about the process”.
Taylor continued, “For anyone who wants a deeper view into what’s involved in running an election, behind the scenes, tonight at 7 pm you can catch the highly-acclaimed film “No Time to Fail” at Roger Williams University. The link is here: No Time To Fail – Wed, Sep 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT | Kinema“
The primary electors chosen at the convention are George Nee, president of the AFL-CIO; State Senator Robert Britto, representing Senate District 18; Darlene Allen, CEO of Adoption Rhode Island; and Ami Gada, a Johnston High School teacher and Golden Apple Award recipient.
Dr. Howard Schulman, an internal medicine physician with Rhode Island Hospital, joins Taylor as the other alternate elector.
As chair of the Newport Democratic City Committee, Taylor plays a key role in local party operations and candidate support. Her selection as an alternate elector adds to her list of party responsibilities, which already includes serving as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
The role of Presidential Elector, while largely ceremonial, carries significant weight in the American electoral system. Electors are responsible for casting the official votes for president and vice president following the general election.
In Rhode Island, the number of electors is equal to the state’s total representation in Congress – two senators and two representatives. The two alternates ensure the state has a full slate of electors in case any of the primary electors are unable to serve.
The special convention adhered to state law requiring gender balance among the electors. The four primary electors consist of two men and two women, while the alternates include one man and one woman.
Rhode Island’s electoral votes have consistently gone to the Democratic candidate in recent presidential elections. The state has voted for the Democratic nominee in every presidential election since 1988.
The 2024 presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 5. Should the Democratic nominee win Rhode Island, Taylor and her fellow electors would meet in December to cast their electoral votes.
