The bill amends Section 17-20-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20, titled "Mail Ballots," to allow local boards of elections to count mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as state mail ballots are counted during statewide elections. The new language specifies that local boards have the authority to count the ballots and that the results must be transmitted to the local board once the counting is complete. The previous requirement for local ballots to be packaged and delivered in sealed packages has been deleted, streamlining the process for local elections. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5311: 17-20-26