This bill amends various sections of the General Laws to enhance voting rights for individuals who are incarcerated but not convicted of a felony. It introduces the term "specially qualified voter," which refers to individuals confined in a correctional facility or jail, except due to a felony conviction. The bill mandates that these specially qualified voters can request mail ballots and outlines the process for doing so, including the requirement for a designated "voting coordinator" within the Department of Corrections to assist with voter education and facilitate the voting process.

The bill also requires that all voting information be posted in visible locations within correctional facilities. The voting coordinator is responsible for coordinating the education and voting of eligible specially qualified voters, ensuring compliance with voting rights, and preparing an annual implementation plan for the Secretary of State. This plan includes identifying staff responsible for providing voter information, incorporating voter registration procedures, notifying individuals of their voting rights while incarcerated, and ensuring access to mail ballots.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a formal complaint process for incarcerated eligible voters who are denied access to the voting process, allowing them to file complaints with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to enforce and protect the voting rights of specially qualified voters incarcerated at Rhode Island adult correctional institutions. This act aims to eliminate barriers to voting for incarcerated individuals and promote awareness of their voting rights.

Statutes affected:
5874: 17-1-2, 17-9.2-3