Limits early voting to eight (8) weekdays and the two (2) weekend days immediately preceding election day.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would set specific limits on when early voting can take place in Rhode Island. Under this proposal, early voting would only be allowed during the eight weekdays (Monday through Friday) and the two weekend days (Saturday and Sunday) that fall immediately before Election Day. This creates a defined, 10-day early voting window leading up to an election.

The bill affects all Rhode Island voters who choose to cast their ballots before Election Day. Depending on how the current early voting period compares to this proposed window, the change could either expand or restrict the number of days available for early voting. By anchoring the early voting period to the days directly preceding the election, the bill standardizes when polling locations or early voting sites would need to be open and staffed.

Currently, this bill has been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, which recommended it be held for further study rather than moving it forward right away. This means the bill is still in early stages and has not been passed into law. It would need to clear the committee process, pass both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and be signed by the governor before taking effect.