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 no polling place shall serve fewer than five hundred (500) voters, except in specific circumstances involving low-income or elderly residential developments. The local board is tasked with determining voting districts based on geographical boundaries, ensuring that no district comprises parts of multiple wards.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions to maintain existing polling places that exceed the new maximum threshold 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. The bill emphasizes the importance of accessibility and equitable distribution of polling places, particularly for historically disenfranchised communities, and it will take effect upon passage.