Rhode Island § 17-20-14 - Mail Ballots
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-20-14 — Mail Ballots, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-20-14. Mail Ballots
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-14
§ 17-20-14. Voting from hospitals, convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest homes or similar institutions, public or private, within the State of Rhode Island — Penalty for interference.
(a) The state board of elections shall appoint as many bipartisan pairs of supervisors as are necessary whose duty it shall be to attend each hospital, rest home, nursing home and convalescent home, or similar types of personal care facility in the state within twenty (20) days prior to the election. They shall supervise the casting of votes by persons using mail ballots at a place that preserves their secrecy and shall take acknowledgments, and jointly provide assistance, if requested, to assure proper marking, sealing, and mailing of ballots as voted. It shall be the duty of the person or persons in charge of hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes and convalescent homes, or similar types of personal care facility to allow the state supervisors to perform their duties as set forth in this section at all reasonable times. Every person who willfully hinders the state supervisors in performing their duties as set forth in this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the state board of elections to provide all bipartisan pairs of supervisors with an official identification card. All bipartisan pairs of supervisors will be required to have in their possession their identification card when conducting official business.
(c) Any person who deliberately misrepresents themselves as an official of the board of elections, or who deceives, coerces, or interferes with a voter casting a ballot, shall be subject to prosecution under § 17-20-30.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 258, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 500, § 1; P.L. 2006,
ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 459, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 217,
§ 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective
June 7, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-20-14
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-20-14 cover?
Section 17-20-14 ("Mail Ballots") 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 § 17-20-14?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-20-14" (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 § 17-20-14 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.