Rules and Regulations Establishing Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop Boxes

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-16

Purpose and Reason:

Changing the number of days for opening:  Every Drop Box established by the Board shall be deemed to be the property of the Board and shall be available to the public beginning thirty-five (35) days prior to  the date of statewide or federal elections; and provided, further, that the drop boxes shall be accessible beginning twenty (20) days prior to all special elections held under Title 17 and available twenty-four (24) hours per day and seven (7) days per week throughout this period  

The Drop Boxes ballot slot opening must also be covered and locked to prevent voters from attempting to deposit ballots after the close of the polls on Election Day. If there is another election scheduled to be held under Title 17 in the city or town within thirty-five (35) days after the drop box is locked pursuant to § 17-20, the drop box shall be reopened, if applicable, the following day at 8:30 am.

Ballots shall then be retrieved from the Drop Boxes by the designated agent of the Board of Elections, accompanied by two (2) or more staff members of the local board of canvassers.