Requires mail ballots applications to include the RI driving license or state identification number, if unexpired or expired no more than 6 months prior to the election, or the last four digits of the voter’s Soc Sec number.

Rhode Island Mail Ballot ID Requirement Bill

This bill would add a new identification requirement for Rhode Island voters who want to vote by mail. Under the proposed change, anyone applying for a mail ballot would need to provide one of the following on their application: their Rhode Island driver's license number, their state-issued ID number (as long as it is either current or expired within the last six months before the election), or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

The bill affects any registered Rhode Island voter who chooses to vote by mail rather than in person. Currently, voters can request mail ballots without providing this type of identifying information. If this bill becomes law, applicants would need to include one of these ID numbers to have their mail ballot application processed and approved.

The stated goal of this type of requirement is to help verify that the person requesting a mail ballot is the same person registered to vote at that address. Voters who do not have a driver's license or state ID could still qualify by providing the last four digits of their Social Security number, giving an alternative option for those without photo identification. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.