Rules and Regulations for Voter Registration

Regulation Authority:

R.I.G.L. 17-7 et seq. and 17-9.1 et seq.

Purpose and Reason:

These rules and regulations are adopted by the Board of Elections for the purpose of implementing the voter registration requirements of United States Public Law 107-252 (“Help America Vote Act of 2002” heretofore referred to as "HAVA") and to address those voter registration issues not otherwise specifically referred to in Title 17 of the Rhode Island General Laws. Substantive Differences from the Proposed Draft; 1. Added "In Person Registrations" to the definitions section to clarify what constitutes an "in person" registration. 2. Added a note at the end of Section 3A to clarify that the current Rule and Reg for Voter Registration will not prevent any person from receiving assistance in preparation or filing of a voter registration form. 3. Added a note in Section 3B at #2 establishing identification requirements for first time "third party" applicants registering to vote after January 1, 2003. 4. Added a line at the end of section 3C #1 establishing the requirements of the local board of canvassers in notifying voter registration applicants who do not provide proper identification. 5. Added the phrase "Third Party Registration" in section 4 to include "third party registrants" in the scope of section four. 6. Added a note to the introductory paragraph of section 4 to clarify that "in person" voter registrants need not show identification.