2021 -- H 6316

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LC002789

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Fenton-Fung, Chippendale, Place, Filippi, and
McLaughlin

     Date Introduced: May 07, 2021

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 17-20-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20 entitled "Mail

Ballots" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     17-20-12. Secretary of state to furnish forms and supplies.

     (a) All mail ballots, application forms, certified envelopes for enclosing ballots, any other

envelopes that may be necessary, and instructions as to voting, use of ballots, and affidavits, shall

be furnished and supplied by the secretary of state for use in mailing application forms, ballots, and

other supplies to mail voters to carry out the provisions of this chapter, but each local board shall

print or stamp upon the application form and upon the return envelope the address of the local

board. The secretary of state is authorized to interpret and apply the provisions of this chapter in a

manner that effects the legislative intention set forth in this chapter.

     (b) All mail ballots must include a watermark, which is easily discernable for verification

purposes and approved by the board of elections.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC002789

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

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     This act would require the secretary of state to include on all mail ballots it provides, an

easily discernable watermark for verification purposes that is also approved by the board of

elections.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002789

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