The bill amends Section 17-20-22.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20, which pertains to "Mail Ballots," specifically regarding the use of mail ballot drop boxes. The bill introduces changes to the time frame for when drop boxes are accessible to the public. Previously, drop boxes were to be available twenty (20) days before a state election, but the bill extends this period to thirty-five (35) days prior to statewide or federal elections. Additionally, the bill specifies that drop boxes should be accessible twenty (20) days before any special elections held under title 17. The bill also includes provisions for locking the ballot slot of the drop box at the close of polls on election day and reopening it the following day at 8:30 am if another election is scheduled within thirty-five (35) days.

The bill outlines requirements for the labeling, accessibility, surveillance, and location of drop boxes, ensuring they are accessible to persons with disabilities and monitored by video surveillance. It mandates that no town or city shall have fewer than one drop box and that each local board of canvassers is responsible for determining the location of drop boxes within their jurisdiction. The bill also requires the public availability of drop box locations on local boards' websites and the state board of elections' office and website. Furthermore, the bill assigns the board of elections the task of designating official agents for ballot retrieval from drop boxes and establishes regulations for the collection and transportation of ballots. The bill would take effect upon passage and also allows the board of elections to regulate the use of drop boxes for depositing mail ballot applications within the accepted timeframe.

Statutes affected:
7849  as amended: 17-20-22.1
7849: 17-20-22.1