Rhode Island § 17-20-21 - Mail Ballots
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-20-21 — Mail Ballots, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-20-21. Mail Ballots
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-21
§ 17-20-21. Certifying envelopes.
The secretary of state shall cause to be prepared and printed and shall furnish with each mail ballot an envelope for sealing up and certifying the ballot when returned. The envelope shall be printed in substantially the following form:
“After marking ballot or ballots, fold and enclose in this envelope and seal it. Certify to statement hereon. Enclose in envelope addressed to board of elections, which must receive the envelope not later than the time prescribed by § 17-18-11 for the closing of polling places on the day of election.”
Date of Election:_________________________________________ City/Townof:_______________________________________
Certificate of Voter
Print Name of Voter
I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that I am:
• I am a United States citizen;
• I am a resident and qualified voter of the State of Rhode Island;
• I am eligible to cast a mail ballot under the provisions of § 17-20-2; and
• I have not and will not vote elsewhere in this election.
I hereby attest under the pains and penalty of perjury, that the enclosed voted ballot was cast by me, and that the signature or mark on this certifying envelope was made by me.
Voter must sign full name here: _________________________________________
(If unable to sign name because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, the voter or their assistant shall mark a box to indicate the voter cannot sign due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write and include the full name, residence address, signature, and optionally the telephone number and e-mail address, of the person who provided assistance to the voter on the certifying envelope provided by the secretary of state. The representation relating to the voter’s inability to sign shall be made under the pains and penalties of perjury).
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 94, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch.
161, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 435, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 436, §
1; P.L. 1990, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 41; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 41; P.L.
2001, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch.
217, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 45, § 5,
effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 46, § 5, effective June 7, 2022; P.L. 2024,
ch. 191, § 1, effective June 17, 2024; P.L. 2024, ch. 192, § 1, effective June 17,
2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-20-21
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-20-21 cover?
Section 17-20-21 ("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 § 17-20-21?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-20-21" (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 § 17-20-21 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.