Rhode Island § 17-8-5 - Local Canvassing Authorities
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-8-5 — Local Canvassing Authorities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-8-5. Local Canvassing Authorities
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-8-5
§ 17-8-5. Local boards — Powers and duties — Quorum.
(a) Each canvassing authority shall have and exercise the functions, powers, and duties provided for local boards by this title or by any law not inconsistent with this title. It shall:
(1) Select one of its members as presiding officer and another as clerk of the board; provided, that nothing in this title shall be deemed to affect the powers and duties of the town clerk who shall be ex officio the clerk of the respective town canvassing authorities; and provided, further, that in the cities of Pawtucket, Central Falls, Newport, Woonsocket, Cranston, and Warwick, the clerk shall be designated at the time of his or her election or appointment;
(2) Have and discharge all of the functions, powers, and duties of the town council concerning nominations, elections, registration of voters and canvassing rights, the preparing and correcting of voting lists, and other related matters, which powers are transferred to the local board;
(3) Make or furnish all returns or other things required by law to be made or furnished to or by city clerks, boards of canvassers, and district clerks, relative to any matter within the purview of this title;
(4) Appoint and employ all its necessary clerical and technical assistants and fix the compensation of each person appointed, within the limits of funds available to it pursuant to law; provided, that in the cities of Cranston and Woonsocket and the town of Coventry the employment and compensation shall be subject to the approval of the respective city or town councils.
(b) A quorum of a local board for the purpose of receiving registrations shall be comprised of one member of the board, and for all other purposes a quorum shall be comprised of two (2) members.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 8, §§ 24, 26; P.L. 1908, ch. 1608, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 8, §§ 23, 26,
35; G.L., ch. 7, §§ 3, 9; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 1; P.L. 1916, ch. 1422, § 1; P.L.
1920, ch. 1962, § 1; P.L. 1920, ch. 1975, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 7, §§ 3, 9; P.L. 1926,
ch. 924, § 1; P.L. 1927, ch. 1085, § 1; P.L. 1931, ch. 1804, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2192,
§ 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 312, §§ 3, 6, 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 313, § 25; P.L. 1951 (s.s.),
ch. 2870, § 18; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-8-5, 17-8-6, 17-8-10, 17-8-12, 17-8-14, 17-8-17,
17-8-18; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 403, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-8-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-8-5 cover?
Section 17-8-5 ("Local Canvassing Authorities") 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 § 17-8-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-8-5" (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 § 17-8-5 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.