The bill amends Section 17-20-22.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20, which pertains to "Mail Ballots," specifically addressing the use and regulation of mail ballot drop boxes. The bill introduces several changes to the existing law. It extends the period during which mail ballot drop boxes must be accessible to the public from twenty days to thirty-five days before statewide or federal elections, and specifies that they must be accessible twenty days prior to special elections. Additionally, the bill mandates that drop boxes must be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and accessible on election day from the time polls open until they close.

The bill also includes provisions for the locking of drop boxes at the close of polls on election day, with a designated agent of the board of elections responsible for ensuring no further ballots are deposited. If another election is scheduled within thirty-five days, the drop box is to be reopened the following day at 8:30 am. Other requirements include labeling of drop boxes, accessibility for persons with disabilities, video surveillance monitoring, and public availability of drop box locations. The board of elections is tasked with designating official agents for ballot retrieval from drop boxes and establishing regulations for the location, security, and transportation of mail ballots. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2780  SUB A: 17-20-22.1
2780: 17-20-22.1