Rhode Island § 17-11-9 - Voting Districts and Officials
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-11-9 — Voting Districts and Officials, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-11-9. Voting Districts and Officials
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-9
§ 17-11-9. Election of moderator or clerk pro tempore.
(a) In case of the absence of the moderator or of the clerk of any town meeting, of a town not divided into voting districts, the town meeting may elect a moderator or clerk pro tempore, and the town clerk shall preside at the election of the moderator.
(b) In case of the absence of the moderator or of the clerk of a voting district in a town not divided into senatorial or representative districts, the voting district meeting may elect a moderator or clerk pro tempore, and the clerk shall preside in the election of a moderator. At least five (5) electors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing the moderator or clerk pro tempore.
(c) In case of the absence of the moderator or of the clerk of a senatorial or representative district or of a voting district in a senatorial or representative district divided into voting districts, the district meeting may elect a moderator or clerk pro tempore, and the clerk shall preside in the election of a moderator. At least five (5) electors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing the moderator or clerk pro tempore.
(d) The elected officer shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his or her duties by any person authorized to administer oaths, and shall hold office in the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Warwick, Cranston, Woonsocket, and Newport, and in the towns of Barrington, Middletown, and Warren, until a moderator or clerk is appointed by the local board respectively and in all other cities and towns until the election and qualification of the officer’s successor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 10; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 38; P.L. 1912,
ch. 850, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 7; P.L. 1941, ch. 1041,
§ 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3577, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-11-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L.
1960, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 7.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-11-9
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-11-9 cover?
Section 17-11-9 ("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 § 17-11-9?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-11-9" (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 § 17-11-9 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.