The proposed bill, known as the "Rhode Island Fusion Voting Act," aims to establish fusion voting in the state, allowing candidates to be nominated by multiple political parties for the same office in the same election. Key provisions include:

1. **Cross-Endorsement**: Candidates may accept nominations from more than one political party, provided they meet all qualifications for the office, accept each nomination in writing, and comply with applicable laws.

2. **Ballot Design**: The act mandates specific ballot design requirements to ensure clarity and accessibility for voters. Candidates nominated by multiple parties will have their names appear in each relevant party's section on the ballot, and voters can select a candidate on any party line. The ballot must also comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) accessibility requirements and include clear instructions for voters.

3. **Vote Counting**: Votes for candidates nominated by multiple parties will be counted separately by party for transparency, but combined for the final tally. Both the separate party-line vote totals and the combined total will be recorded and reported in the official election results.

4. **Implementation Responsibilities**: The state board of elections is tasked with developing rules and regulations for implementing fusion voting, providing training to local boards of canvassers, and conducting a public education campaign about fusion voting starting no later than November 1, 2027.

5. **Political Party Qualification**: The bill proposes to reduce the threshold for political party qualification from five percent (5%) to one percent (1%) of the total votes cast in statewide elections, aiming to enhance political diversity and representation.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2028, allowing time for necessary preparations and adjustments to the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
5712: 17-1-2, 17-14-1.1