Amends the procedures for the marking and certification of mail ballots by prohibiting anyone but the voter or certain persons close to the voter from handling the mail ballot.

Rhode Island Mail Ballot Handling Bill

This bill would change the rules for how mail-in ballots can be handled in Rhode Island. Specifically, it would limit who is allowed to physically touch or handle a voter's mail ballot. Under this proposal, only the voter themselves — or certain people with a close personal relationship to the voter, such as a family member or caregiver — would be permitted to handle the ballot.

The bill is designed to prevent a practice sometimes called "ballot harvesting," where outside individuals, organizations, or political operatives collect or handle completed ballots on behalf of voters. By restricting who can touch a mail ballot, the bill aims to ensure that ballots go directly from the voter (or a trusted close contact) to the mail or election officials, without passing through the hands of third parties.

This bill would primarily affect Rhode Island voters who use mail-in ballots, as well as any individuals or organizations that currently assist voters in returning their ballots. Voters who rely on assistance — such as elderly or disabled individuals — would still be able to get help from close personal contacts, but could not use outside volunteers or campaign workers for that purpose.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee and has been held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process. No final vote has been taken.