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Bill > S0513


RI S0513

RI S0513
Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.


summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
06/18/2025
Crossed Over
06/20/2025
Passed
07/02/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
07/02/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would increase the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate, from three thousand (3,000) to three thousand five hundred (3,500), and would provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not to be changed until the next decennial redistricting, if approved by a unanimous vote of the local board and certified by the state board of elections. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing voting district regulations by increasing the maximum number of eligible registered voters that can be served by a single polling place from 3,000 to 3,500. The legislation allows existing polling places that currently exceed the 3,500-voter threshold to continue operating without changes until the next decennial redistricting, but only if the local board unanimously approves and the state board of elections certifies that the polling place can adequately serve voter turnout. The bill maintains previous provisions that require voting districts to be determined by geographical boundaries and ensures that polling places serving fewer than 500 voters are still permitted in special circumstances, such as low-income or elderly residential developments. Additionally, the bill emphasizes factors for polling place selection, including accessibility for historically disenfranchised communities, proximity to voter concentrations, public transportation access, equitable distribution, and maximizing voter participation. The legislation aims to provide more flexibility in polling place management while maintaining voter accessibility and representation.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Signed by Governor (on 07/02/2025)

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