The bill amends Section 17-20-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20, titled "Mail Ballots," to enhance the procedures for opening and counting mail ballots. Key insertions include provisions that require the state board of elections to keep mail ballots secure and monitored, provide public notice of ballot certification sessions, and allow for challenges to the certification process. Additionally, the bill specifies that the state board will have the authority to count mail ballots in local elections in the same manner as in statewide elections, ensuring consistency in the voting process.

The bill also includes several deletions, notably the removal of previous language regarding the packaging and delivery of local ballots to local boards for counting. Instead, the new language clarifies that the state board will directly count the ballots for local elections and transmit the results to the local board. This change aims to streamline the counting process and improve the efficiency of election administration. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5311: 17-20-26