Bill > S0521

This bill establishes a comprehensive process for filling vacancies and managing local canvassing authorities in cities and towns, with several key provisions. It requires political party chairpersons to submit lists of party voters within 30 days of a vacancy, and mandates that the mayor or council president nominate replacements within 30 days of receiving those lists. The bill clarifies term expiration dates for canvassing authority members, ensuring that no more than one member's term expires in any odd-numbered year, and directs city or town clerks to immediately correct any noncompliant term records. Additionally, the bill requires local canvassing boards to designate a chief local election official, who will be responsible for managing user access to the statewide central voter register and serving as the primary administrative contact with state election authorities. The legislation also specifies that the chief local election official must designate an alternate and maintain emergency contact information for key election personnel. These changes aim to standardize and improve the administration of local election processes, with the bill set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Justice

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