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HB 7378

AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires local election officials to publish local ballot questions, early voting details, and registration information in accessible formats (online, print, mailings) at

05/01/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 7378

Summary of HB 7378 (2026) — Rhode Island

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island | Session: 2026 | Title: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS — LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES

Introduced by: Representatives Baginski and Paplauskas
Committee: House State Government & Elections
Introduced: January 28, 2026
Status: Passed House (April 30, 2026)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill revises and clarifies requirements for local canvassing authorities (local election officials) regarding public notice and accessibility for elections.
  • It emphasizes transparency by mandating publication of election-related information (local ballot questions, early voting details, and registration periods) in multiple accessible formats, including online and print.
  • It provides alternatives to newspaper advertising, allowing jurisdiction-wide mailings or website postings to satisfy notice requirements, with an emphasis on accessibility (WCAG AA).

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Publication of Local Ballot Questions (17-8-10)

  • Local boards must publicize local questions at least 25 days before a locale election.
  • Required notice channels (options):
    • Prominent posting in at least three local public locations.
    • Advertising at least once in a newspaper of local circulation.
    • An alternative: a mailing to every registered voter household with the full text (or a description) of each act to be acted upon, including:
    • Designated question number
    • Brief caption
    • Brief explanation of the measure
    • Notice that voter fraud is a felony and the penalty
    • Notice must include: “You must be registered to vote from your actual place of residence.”
  • For bond or long-term indebtedness questions, the notice must also include:
    • Estimated total cost (including financing and related costs)
    • Estimated useful life and term of the obligation
    • Detailed description of the project, purposes, and a project timetable
  • Website posting: The same information must be published on the municipality’s website for at least 25 consecutive days leading up to the election, with WCAG AA accessibility.

B. Early Voting Dates, Hours, and Location (17-8-11)

  • Local boards must advertise early voting dates, hours, and locations in:
    • A newspaper of general circulation at least once before and once during the in-person early voting period.
    • The municipality’s website, prominently, for the duration of the early voting period, with WCAG AA compliance.

C. Voter Registration Periods (17-9.1-3)

  • Registration offices open year-round during regular hours; registration closes 30 days before an election (no registrations on Sundays or legal holidays).
  • On the last day for registration (the 30th day before an election), boards must stay open 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to permit participation in the next election.
  • If the last day falls on a weekend or holiday, boards may designate a single additional location and designate hours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for that location.
  • If a designation is used, it must be publicly announced at least 10 days before the last day of registration and advertised in a newspaper at least twice (or, alternatively, posted on the municipality’s website for at least 10 consecutive days, with WCAG AA).

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • Local boards of canvassers (city/town election officials) in Rhode Island.
  • Municipalities conducting local elections and early voting.
  • Registered voters within municipalities.
  • Local jurisdiction communications channels (newspapers of general circulation, official websites, physical posting locations).

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: Immediately upon passage.
  • Notice windows:
    • Ballot questions: 25 days before local elections.
    • Early voting: notices before and during the early voting period.
    • Registration: last-day access provisions apply 30 days before elections, with enhanced hours if last day is weekend/holiday.
  • Accessibility: All online notices must meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards (or newer as adopted by WCAG guidelines).

5) Practical Impact

  • Increases transparency and public awareness of local ballot measures and election logistics.
  • Expands methods to disseminate information (mailing households or online postings) beyond traditional newspaper ads.
  • Enhances accessibility for voters with disabilities via WCAG-compliant online notices.
  • Potential administrative change for some municipalities to implement mailing options and ensure timely website postings and notices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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