Chapter 446

2008 -- S 2709

Enacted 07/08/08

A N A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS - CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES

Introduced By: Senators Doyle, Tassoni, McBurney, and Connors

Date Introduced: February 26, 2008

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 17-19-23.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-19 entitled "Conduct

of Election and Voting Equipment, and Supplies" is repealed in its entirety.

17-19-23.3. Trainee election officials -- High school students. -- Notwithstanding any

other requirements of this chapter, a student enrolled in a high school in the state of Rhode Island,

who is a United States citizen, who has attained the age of sixteen (16), is eligible to be appointed

as a trainee election official in the municipality in which the student resides to perform duties

under the direction of or in assistance to a qualified election official, as may be determined by the

local board of canvassers, but may not be assigned to the polling place in lieu of a regularly

trained and certified election official. The student shall be appointed without party affiliation and

shall submit to the secretary of state: (a) a certificate by parent or guardian authorizing the

appointment and allowing the student to be excused from school; and (b) a certificate, signed by

the principal of the student's high school, certifying that the student is performing at an academic

level deemed acceptable by said principal. The student must further meet any qualifications set

forth by the secretary of state. The secretary of state may promulgate rules and regulations

necessary to effectuate this section. The trainee may be compensated by the municipality for his

or her service at the same rate fixed for election officials generally.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02220

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