AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Extends the window to file a town or city election recount petition from 7 to 9 days after Election Day.

06/24/2025 Signed by Governor

Summary — HB 5384 (2025)

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS — CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES
Bill No.: HB 5384
Status: Signed by Governor (06/24/2025) — effective upon passage
Introduced: February 7 / Filed March 14, 2025
Primary sponsors: Reps. Boylan, Knight, Ajello, McGaw, Stewart, Tanzi, Shanley, Speakman, Furtado, DeSimone

Purpose

The bill amends Rhode Island General Laws § 17-19-36 to lengthen the time period in which a candidate may petition for a recount of town or city election returns. The intent is to give candidates additional time after an election to request a recount before local certificates of election are issued.

Key provisions

Changes the allowable period to file a recount petition with the state board of elections from seven (7) days after the election to nine (9) days.

Reaffirms that local boards must meet the day after the election to tabulate returns and announce results, but they must not issue certificates of election:

until the time for filing recount petitions has expired, and
if a petition is filed, until the petition has been finally determined.

Stipulates that after a recount under § 17-19-37.1, the state board will direct the local board to issue the certificate of election to the candidate found to be the winner.

Who is affected

Candidates in town and city elections in Rhode Island who may wish to request recounts.

Local boards of canvass/boards of elections, which must hold off issuing certificates while recount windows or proceedings are pending.

The Rhode Island State Board of Elections, which is the body to receive recount petitions and conduct or direct recounts pursuant to existing law (§ 17-19-37.1).

Procedural/timeline aspects

The substantive change is small in duration: two additional days (from 7 to 9 days) after Election Day to file a recount petition.

The act took effect upon the governor’s signature on June 24, 2025.

Key legislative steps: passed the House and Senate in concurrence (June 18, 2025), transmitted to and signed by the Governor (June 24, 2025).

Practical impact

Provides a modest extension for candidates to assess results and prepare recount petitions, potentially reducing rushed filings.

May slightly delay final certification in jurisdictions where recount petitions are filed within the added two-day window.

Does not change recount standards, procedures, or who bears costs; those remain governed by existing § 17-19-37.1 and related statutes.