Allows early voting ballot application to be completed in person on an electronic poll pad. Voter then issued a ballot to be placed in a state-approved voting device.

Rhode Island Early In-Person Voting Bill

This bill would create a new way for Rhode Island voters to cast their ballots early, in person, at a designated location before Election Day. Under the proposal, a voter would visit an early voting site, complete an application for an early ballot using an electronic poll pad (a tablet-like device used to look up voter registration information), and then immediately receive a ballot to cast on the spot using a state-approved voting machine. Essentially, it combines the mail ballot application process with in-person voting in a single visit.

Currently, Rhode Island voters who want to vote early by mail must request a ballot, wait to receive it, and then return it. This bill would streamline that process for voters who prefer to vote in person before Election Day rather than on Election Day itself. Voters who take advantage of this option would not need to make a separate trip on Election Day or mail anything back.

This bill would affect all registered Rhode Island voters by giving them an additional, more convenient option for casting their votes. Election officials and polling locations would also be impacted, as they would need electronic poll pads and state-approved voting devices available at early voting sites. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.