§ 17-20-24.1 - Irregularities in obtaining and casting mail ballots. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 17-20-24.1

   § 17-20-24.1  Irregularities in obtainingand casting mail ballots. – The requirements set forth by this chapter controlling mail ballot eligibilityand the procedure by which mail ballots are obtained and cast shall be strictlyapplied to assure the integrity of the electoral system. No mail ballot whichwas not obtained and/or cast in material conformance with the provisions ofthis title shall be certified by the board of elections. Notwithstanding theprovisions of § 34-12-3 to the contrary, any mail ballot application ormail ballot certification notarized by a person who is not in fact a notarypublic or other officer authorized to administer oaths and takeacknowledgements shall be void. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed torequire the disqualification of a ballot merely because the elector did notsign the elector's full name as it is listed on the voter registration list,but omitted or included a middle initial or name, abbreviated a first and/ormiddle name, or made a similar omission or inclusion, as long as the board ofelections can reasonably determine the identity of the voter.