The bill amends Section 17-11-1 of the General Laws regarding the division of towns and representative districts into voting districts. It increases the maximum number of eligible registered voters that a polling place can serve from three thousand (3,000) to three thousand five hundred (3,500). Additionally, it stipulates that existing polling places that exceed this new maximum will not be subject to change until the next decennial redistricting, provided there is unanimous approval from the local board and certification from the state board of elections that the polling place can adequately accommodate anticipated voter turnout.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of geographical boundaries in determining voting districts and mandates that no district should comprise parts of multiple wards. It also outlines uniform standards for polling place locations, focusing on accessibility for historically disenfranchised communities, proximity to dense voter populations, and equitable distribution of polling places. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5517: 17-11-1