Chapter 220

2010 -- S 2448

Enacted 06/25/10

A N A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS - LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITY

Introduced By: Senators Doyle, McBurney, and DaPonte

Date Introduced: February 11, 2010

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 17-8-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-8 entitled "Local

Canvassing Authorities" is hereby amended to read as follows:

17-8-10. Publication of local questions to be submitted to voters. -- (a) Prior to each

local election at which public questions are to be submitted, the local board shall cause to be

prominently posted in at least three (3) local public locations and advertised at least once in a

newspaper of local circulation, or in lieu of the requirement to place the advertisement in a

newspaper of local circulation, the City of Pawtucket may mail to the household of each

registered voter prior to the election the full text of each legislative act to be acted upon and the

election date, or the local board may substitute a description of the text of each act in lieu of the

full text, together with the following information:

      (1) The designated number of the question;

      (2) A brief caption of the question;

      (3) A brief explanation of the measure that is the subject matter of the question; and

      (4) A notice that voter fraud is a felony and the penalty for voter fraud. This notice shall

be in conspicuous lettering and shall contain the following language: "You must be registered to

vote from your actual place of residence."

      (b) If the public question involves the issuance of bonds or other evidence of

indebtedness or any other long-term financial obligation such as a lease, the notice required by

subsection (a) of this section shall also include at least the following information to be provided:

      (1) The estimated total cost of the project or program, including financing (using a

reasonable assumed rate of interest), legal, and other costs.

      (2) The estimated useful life of the project, and the term of the bonds, other

indebtedness, or other obligation.

      (3) A reasonably detailed description of the project or program, its purposes, and a

project timetable.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01291

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