The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at protecting the voting rights of citizens and preventing discrimination in electoral practices. It establishes a new chapter in Title 17 of the General Laws, defining key terms related to voting, such as "disability," "early voting," and "protected class." The Act prohibits political subdivisions from engaging in voter suppression or vote dilution, outlining specific criteria for violations that disproportionately affect members of protected classes. It emphasizes equal opportunity in the electoral process and provides guidelines for assessing discrimination claims.

The Act mandates that courts retain jurisdiction over violations and requires political subdivisions to obtain judicial preapproval for changes to election policies for up to ten years following a violation. It enhances protections for limited English proficient (LEP) and disabled voters by requiring language assistance programs and ensuring election materials are accessible in multiple languages.

Additionally, the Act establishes an online repository for election data to support research and best practices, and prohibits intimidation, deception, or obstruction that could hinder voters' rights. It also amends existing laws on provisional voting to ensure that provisional ballots are counted under specific conditions.

The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of its provisions even if parts are deemed invalid.

Statutes affected:
8334: 17-19-24.1