Rhode Island § 45-4-16 - Election and Qualification of Officers
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-4-16 — Election and Qualification of Officers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-4-16. Election and Qualification of Officers
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-4-16
§ 45-4-16. Filling of vacancies in office.
(a) Whenever a vacancy occurs in any office by death, removal out of town, resignation, or by neglect or refusal to qualify, or for any other cause, the town council may fill the office until the next town meeting for the election of officers. Whenever from any cause there are vacancies in the town council of any town, so that there are not sufficient members to form a quorum, the town clerk shall call a special town meeting in the manner provided by law for calling special town meetings, at which meeting, or at any subsequent meeting called for that purpose, vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for the election of officers.
(b) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the town council of the town of West Warwick, and the town council for any reason fails to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days after the office becomes vacant, then the town clerk shall call for a special election in the manner provided by law; however, no special election shall be called where the vacancy occurs within nine (9) months of the next general election.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 20; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 40; G.L. 1923,
ch. 50, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-16; P.L. 1986, ch. 304,
§ 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-4-16
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-4-16 cover?
Section 45-4-16 ("Election and Qualification of Officers") 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 § 45-4-16?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-4-16" (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 § 45-4-16 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.