Rhode Island § 17-23-1 - Election Offenses

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-23-1 — Election Offenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-23-1. Election Offenses

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-23-1

§ 17-23-1. Signature and labeling of advertising in periodicals.

No person shall publish or cause to be published in any newspaper or other periodical, either in its advertising or reading columns, any paid matter designed or tending to aid, injure, or defeat any candidate for public office or any question submitted to the voters, unless the name of the chairperson or secretary or the names of two (2) officers of the political or other organization inserting the paid matter, or the name of some voter who is responsible for it, with that person’s residence and the street and number, if any, appear in the paid matter in the nature of a signature. The matter inserted in reading columns shall be preceded by or followed by the word “advertisement” in a separate line, in type not smaller than that of the body type of the newspaper or other periodical.

History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 457, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 325, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-23-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-23-1

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-23-1 cover?

Section 17-23-1 ("Election Offenses") 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 § 17-23-1?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-23-1" (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 § 17-23-1 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.