The bill amends Chapter 17-14 of the General Laws, focusing on the nomination process for party and independent candidates. A significant change is the introduction of an online nomination paper portal, which will allow voters to electronically sign nomination papers for candidates eligible for the general election, effective January 1, 2025. The bill specifies that electronic signatures collected through this portal will count towards the required number of signatures for various offices, which include one thousand signatures for candidates for U.S. senator or governor. Additionally, the bill clarifies that nomination papers for endorsed candidates can be combined, while unendorsed candidates must use separate papers. It also updates the language regarding signature validity, ensuring that minor variations in a voter's signature do not invalidate it.

Further provisions include the requirement for local boards to verify signatures against the voting list and to certify the names on nomination papers, with the authority to investigate allegations of forgery. The online portal must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to ensure accessibility for all voters. The bill also introduces new legal language regarding voter attestation and electronic signatures, requiring voters to affirm the accuracy of their information under penalty of perjury. It amends existing election offenses to encompass violations related to the online nomination process, treating the online portal as equivalent to traditional nomination papers. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
6092: 17-23-17