Rhode Island § 17-10-3 - Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-10-3 — Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-10-3. Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-10-3
§ 17-10-3. Publication of preliminary lists.
(a) Immediately after the close of registration for each general election and each primary election for a general election, the local board shall publish and post a preliminary list of all persons who appear from the registration cards to be duly registered to vote at the next ensuing election. The preliminary list for a primary election shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 13 of this title. The preliminary list shall contain the names and addresses of registered voters arranged in the same order as the file of original registration cards. The preliminary list shall be computer generated from the statewide central voter registry system. The list shall be available for public inspection at the local board of canvassers, where the list shall be open to examination at all reasonable times. The local board shall, upon request, furnish without charge and without unreasonable delay, five (5) copies of the preliminary list to the state, city, or town chairperson of any political party.
(b) The preliminary list shall be deemed a public record; and any elector of the city or town, upon request, shall be given a copy of the list upon payment of no more than the actual cost of reproduction.
(c) The preliminary list shall contain the following language in bold print:
(c) “You must be registered to vote from your actual place of residence.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1951 (s.s.), ch. 2870, §§ 5, 7; P.L. 1952, ch. 2897, § 1; G.L. 1956, §§ 17-10-10,
17-10-11, 17-10-26; G.L. 1956, § 17-10-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 152,
§ 4; P.L. 1978, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 312, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 172, § 5; P.L.
1986, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 171, § 5; P.L. 2006, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch.
96, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-10-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-10-3 cover?
Section 17-10-3 ("Canvassing the Lists of Qualified Electors") 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 § 17-10-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-10-3" (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 § 17-10-3 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.