Rhode Island § 17-14-14 - Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-14-14 — Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-14-14. Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-14-14
§ 17-14-14. Hearings on objections — Witnesses — Notice.
(a) All objections to nomination papers which are required to be filed with the secretary of state shall be considered by the state board. The secretary of state shall, when requested by the state board, immediately deliver to the board the nomination papers to which objection has been filed. The state board may, at the hearing on the objections, summon witnesses, administer oaths, and require the production of books, papers, and documents. The witnesses shall be summoned in the same manner, be paid the same fees, and be subject to the same penalties for default as witnesses before the superior court. A summons may be sworn to and an oath may be administered by the board. When an objection has been filed, notice of the objection shall be immediately given by registered or certified mail or by personal service by the state board to the candidates, addressed to the residence of the candidate as given in the nomination papers, and to any party committee interested in the nomination to which objection is made. The state board shall promulgate rules and regulations on challenges to nomination papers filed by any candidate, an individual presenting written authorization from the candidate, or the chairperson of any party committee that questions the validity or authenticity of any signature on the nomination paper of a candidate.
(b) Additional notice may also be given by the state board if it sees fit to do so. The decision of the board shall be rendered within two (2) days, exclusive of Sundays and holidays, after filing of objections and shall immediately be certified by the state board to the secretary of state.
(c) All objections to nomination papers other than state and federal candidates shall be considered by the local board in the same manner and with the same effect as provided in subsection (a) of this section for hearing of objections to nomination papers for state and federal candidates by the state board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1886, § 14; P.L. 1948, ch. 2100, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3717,
§ 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-14-14; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 389, § 8; P.L.
2024, ch. 122, § 1, effective January 1, 2025; P.L. 2024, ch. 123, § 1, effective
January 1, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-14-14
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-14-14 cover?
Section 17-14-14 ("Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates") 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 § 17-14-14?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-14-14" (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 § 17-14-14 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.