This act would add early voting to the 50 feet buffer prohibitions against politicking during election day voting.

Plain-English Summary

Rhode Island law currently prohibits political activity — such as campaigning, handing out flyers, or trying to influence voters — within 50 feet of a polling place on Election Day. This bill would extend that same rule to apply during early voting periods, not just on Election Day itself.

In practical terms, this means that anyone seeking to campaign, solicit votes, or engage in political persuasion would need to stay at least 50 feet away from early voting locations during the entire time those locations are open for early voting. Activities like approaching voters, displaying political signs, or distributing campaign materials would all be restricted within that zone, just as they currently are on Election Day.

This bill affects voters, political campaigns, candidates, and their supporters. Voters who choose to vote early would receive the same protection from last-minute political pressure as those who vote on Election Day. Campaigns and volunteers would need to be aware that the buffer zone rules apply whenever and wherever early voting takes place, not only on the traditional Election Day.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with a hearing scheduled for April 2026. It has not yet been passed into law.