The bill amends Chapter 17-12.1 of the General Laws, which pertains to presidential preference primaries, by introducing ranked choice voting. This allows voters to rank their preferred candidates and specifies that if a political party does not provide clear instructions for delegate allocation, the primary will default to a statewide winner-take-all system. The bill outlines the procedures for candidates to notify the Secretary of State of their candidacy, the requirements for petition signatures, and the process for candidate withdrawal, including the need for a signed letter of withdrawal and an affidavit to be filed with the Secretary of State.

Key provisions include the establishment of rules for ranked choice voting tabulation and results reporting by the Secretary of State, as well as the treatment of withdrawn candidates during tabulation. The bill mandates that each voter shall have the opportunity to rank their preferences for presidential nominees and allows for the ranking of "uncommitted" among the voter's preferences. It also specifies that the ballot shall allow voters to rank five qualified presidential candidates in order of choice.

The Secretary of State is required to certify the results of each round of tabulation and to provide detailed reporting of unofficial preliminary results, including round-by-round outcomes and ballot-level ranking data. The bill includes provisions for resolving ties by lot and allows election officials to address prospective ties before tabulation. Additionally, it establishes rules for the treatment of undervotes and inactive ballots during the tabulation process.

The legislation aims to modernize the electoral process in Rhode Island, ensuring transparency, integrity, and improved election administration. It takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
152: 17-19-37.4