Rhode Island § 17-11-12 - Voting Districts and Officials

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-11-12 — Voting Districts and Officials, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-11-12. Voting Districts and Officials

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-12

§ 17-11-12. Qualifications of election officials — Vacancies.

Election officials shall, whenever possible, be qualified electors in the city, town, senatorial or representative district, or voting district in which they are appointed to serve, and shall severally be able to read the Constitution of the state in the English language and to write their names. Every person appointed as a warden, clerk, moderator, or supervisor shall, within forty-eight (48) hours thereafter, be notified in writing by the clerk of the local board of the appointment; and the person appointed shall, within five (5) days of his or her appointment, notify the clerk in writing of that person’s acceptance or declination of the appointment, and any vacancy occurring among these election officials, whether by declination or refusal to serve or by failure to notify the clerk, or by failure from any cause to appear at or remain during the time when they are required to perform their duties, shall be immediately filled by the local board, or by its presiding officer if the board is not in session, from the lists provided for in § 17-11-10. Each of these election officials shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his or her duties before entering upon the performance of his duties.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 11, § 32; G.L. 1909, ch. 11, § 35; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 11, § 34; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, § 32; P.L. 1940, ch. 819, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951 (s.s.), ch. 2870, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-12; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7; P.L. 2004, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 480, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-11-12

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-11-12 cover?

Section 17-11-12 ("Voting Districts and Officials") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 17-11-12?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-11-12" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 17-11-12 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.