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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE NELLIE M. GORBEA

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE NELLIE M. GORBEA

Earlier today, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung held a press conference where he described alleged voter irregularities that took place in his city during the November Election. The law is clear: only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote and you can only vote once. Anyone who breaks the law should be held accountable and I expect these allegations to be fully investigated.

I am committed to ensuring that elections are fair, fast and accurate in Rhode Island. That is why, working closely with the State Board of Elections, I have convened an Elections Task Force and brought together stakeholders to review the past election, identify areas for improvement and present recommendations moving forward. The Task Force had its first of three meetings earlier this week. I have also submitted legislation to replace the existing emergency mail ballot process with a significantly improved early in-person voting system (H5700). Furthermore, I am requesting funding in this year's budget to install Electronic Poll Books at all polling locations for the next election. These electronic poll books will significantly improve the accuracy of our lists and check-ins as Rhode Islanders vote.

The next meeting of the Elections Task Force will take place on March 8 at Francis J. Varieur School in Pawtucket. I encourage Mayor Fung or any other Rhode Islanders to bring any concerns about and ideas for improving elections to our Task Force meetings.

-Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea

Media contact: Nicole Lagace nlagace@sos.ri.gov (401) 330-3180

Related links

  • Department or agency: Office of the Secretary of State
  • Online: http://www.sos.ri.gov/
  • Release date: 03-02-2017

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