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Report Looks at Open Meetings Compliance

The General Assembly complied with the state Open Meetings law 96 percent of the time last year, according to our latest review.

The state’s Open Meetings law requires most governmental bodies to post meeting notices and agendas at least 48 hours in advance. While the General Assembly is exempt from the law, the House and the Senate do issue meeting notices in accordance with their own rules. We monitored that activity in order to produce the “Access 2012” report.

Accountability is a crucial gauge of government’s willingness to keep the public informed about its work.”

In developing the data, we reviewed meeting notices and agendas for 438 legislative meetings in 2012. As in previous years, nearly all the violations came in the last days of the session. Fifteen of the 19 total violations occurred during the 48 hours before the General Assembly recessed in the early-morning hours of June 13.

Broken out by chamber, House compliance was 94 percent and Senate compliance was 97 percent in 2012.  Among the some of the legislature’s most prominent committees, House Finance complied 94 percent of the time while Senate Judiciary had a 97 percent compliance rate.

We began issuing annual “Access” reports in 1997.

We give the public access to legislative meeting notices and agendas and maintain a searchable database of meeting notices, agendas and minutes for most other state and municipal agencies, commissions, boards and departments.

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Rhode Island’s Electoral College Votes on Monday


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The state’s remarkable year in presidential politics will come to an end this Monday at noon and you’re invited. Rhode Island’s Electoral College will convene at the State House to cast ballots for president and vice president .

The historic ceremony will begin precisely at noon when the Kentish Guards in colonial military garb escort  the state’s four presidential electors, the state’s Congressional delegation and other dignitaries to the House Chamber, where the event will take place.

“This is the culmination of a year-long journey that sent Rhode Islanders to the polls in near-record numbers. The entire state can take pride in what they have achieved.”

Because seating in the House Chamber is limited, please RSVP to aralphmollis@sos.ri.gov or 222-4293. Capitol TV will televise the ceremony live on Channel 15 on Cox Cable and Full Channel and Channel 34 on Verizon. In addition, TV monitors will be set up in the State Room to accommodate anyone who cannot be seated in the House Chamber.

The process began in 2011, when we introduced legislation creating a regional presidential primary with Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. The initiative brought Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and the Gingrich campaign to Rhode Island in the days before voters went to the polls last April. The end came when more than 446,000 votes were cast in last month’s election, the second highest turnout in state history.

Title 3, Chapter 1 of the U.S. Code outlines the Electoral College process. Each state has a number of electors equal to the number of representatives and senators it has in Congress. The Electoral College will meet in every state and the District of Columbia on Dec. 17 to cast ballots for president and vice president.

By federal law, electors representing the political party of the candidate who wins the popular vote for president in each state officially elect the president and vice president. Rhode Island’s Electors are state Rep.-elect Marvin L. Abney of Newport, Emily A. Maranjian of Providence, L. Susan Weiner of East Greenwich and Mark S. Weiner of East Greenwich.

The Rev. William L. Shaw of the Union Baptist Church in Pawtucket will provide the Invocation and the Martin Middle School choir of East Providence will perform the national anthem to open Rhode Island’s ceremony.

On Jan. 6, 2013, Vice President Biden will preside over a joint session of Congress. The ballots of the electors from each state will be opened in alphabetical order by state and read aloud to Congress.

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Check Ahead to Avoid Problems at Polls Tuesday

We have some advice to make your trip to the polls on Tuesday go smoothly.

Because many cities and towns had to move polling places due to redistricting, Mollis urges voters to confirm where they will vote ahead of time.

For hundreds of thousands of RI voters, Election Day will be their first encounter with Voter ID and all the new polling place locations created by redistricting.”

The election is also the next big test of the state’s new Voter ID law. Beginning this year, voters will be asked to show an ID when they vote at the polls. Poll workers will accept a wide range of common photo IDs including a R.I. driver’s license, state ID card, RIPTA bus pass, college ID, employee ID and Social Security or Medicare card.

Most importantly, no eligible voter will be denied the right to vote. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. If the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration, their ballot will be counted.

Locally, polls will open at 7 a.m. and will now close at 8 p.m., which is an hour earlier than previous years. Any eligible voter in line when the doors close at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.  Voters are allowed to bring a marked sample ballot or other material that will help them in the voting booth.

If your name is not on the voter registration list at the polling place and you believe that you are legally registered to vote in that precinct, you are eligible to vote a provisional ballot, which will be counted if elections officials determine that your claim is valid.

Residents of Rhode Island who missed the Oct. 7 deadline to register to vote can still cast a ballot on Election Day, but only for president and vice president. Residents of most communities must go to their city or town hall, but Providence residents should go to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Elections officials in Burrillville, East Greenwich and Little Compton also arranged alternative sites. Residents should contact their town hall to confirm the local location.

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Sunday Is Deadline to Register, Update Voter Registration

Planning on voting on Election Day? Rhode Islanders have until this Sunday to register to vote. Sunday’s deadline applies voters who have moved or changed their name since the last time they voted as well as to new voters. State law requires current voters to re-register under their new name or from their new address in order to be eligible to vote again.

Although the deadline falls on a Sunday, our Elections Division at 148 West River St., Providence, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for last-minute registrations. In addition, every city and town has also made local arrangements.

Not sure whether your voter registation is up to date. Use our Voter Information Center to check.

We are also teaming up with Cardi’s Furniture to give Rhode Islanders another last-minute option. We will set up shop at Cardi’s West Warwick store on Rt. 2 Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to register and re-register voters.

In order to register and vote on Election Day, you must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 6, a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen.

Rhode Islanders who cannot register in person by Sunday can download a voter registration form and mail the original, signed form to their local Board of Canvassers as long as it is postmarked by the postal service no later than Oct. 7.

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Join NAACP for Voter Registration, Voter IDs Saturday

This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prince Hall Grand Masonic Lodge in Providence, we will register voters and provide free Voter IDs at a voter engagement rally sponsored by the NAACP.

“We urge everyone in Rhode Island who is not registered to please register to vote. This upcoming election is very important,” said Jim Vincent, president of the NAACP’s Providence chapter.

You must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 6, a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen in order to register. In addition to targeting new voters, the event will enable voters who have moved or changed their names since the last time they voted to re-register to vote as required by state law.

Election Day will be the next big test of Voter ID. Beginning this year, voters are being asked to show an ID when they vote at the polls. Poll workers will accept a wide range of common photo IDs including a R.I. driver’s license, state ID card, RIPTA bus pass, college ID and employee ID.

To obtain a free Voter ID, voters must bring proof of identity such as a Social Security card, credit or debit card, utility bill or government-issued document. The ID, which includes a color photo of the voter and the voter’s full name, will be created on the spot. Voters who already have an acceptable photo ID do not need the special Voter ID.

Here are the complete lists of acceptable IDs and proofs of identity as well as the schedule of dates and locations where voters can obtain a free ID.

Voter ID will be phased in over two election cycles. In 2012 and 2013, voters can also use a variety of non-photo IDs including a Social Security card, bank statement or any government-issued document. Beginning in 2014, only photo ID will be accepted.

Most importantly, no eligible voter will be denied the right to vote. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. If the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration, their ballot will be counted.

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Check Out the Voter Handbook in Your Mailbox

Be on the look-out for the election guides that will hit your mailbox this week.

The 32-page Voter Information Handbook includes descriptions of every statewide ballot question and bond issue as well as information about the state’s new Voter ID law, special accommodations for voters who are elderly, disabled or visually impaired and polling place changes.

State law requires the us to publish and mail the handbook to every residential household in Rhode Island prior to every general election. The mailing is timed to beat the Oct. 7 deadline to register or re-register if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted as required by state law.

November’s ballot will include races for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives as well as many General Assembly seats and local offices. In addition, there will be two questions that would amend the state constitution to allow an expansion of gaming at Twin River and Newport Grand and five bond issues authorizing the sale of $209 million in bonds for uses including affordable housing, clean water, the environment, higher education and the construction of a new Veterans’ Home and renovations to existing facilities.

Because many cities and towns have moved their polling places due to redistricting, the handbook also outlines how you can use our website to confirm the location of your polling place ahead of time.

Beginning this year, voters will also be asked to show an ID when they vote at the polls. Poll workers will accept a wide range of common photo IDs including a R.I. driver’s license, RIPTA bus pass, U.S. passport, college ID and employee ID. The guide includes a complete list of IDs that will be accepted at the polls as well as a schedule of community outreach events where voters who do not already have a photo ID can get one for free.

Most importantly, no eligible voter will be denied the right to vote. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. If the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration, their ballot will be counted.

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Sunday Is Crucial Deadline for September Primary

This Sunday is the deadline to register to vote in the September primary. It is also the last day for voters who have moved or changed their names since the last time they voted to re-register in order to cast a ballot on Sept. 11.

Why a Sunday? State law requires Rhode Islanders to be registered at least 30 days before an election in order to be eligible to vote. In order to register, you must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 6, a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen.

Even though the deadline falls on a Sunday, our office at 148 West River St. in Providence will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, every municipality has made arrangements to enable residents to register close to home at the last-minute.

Rhode Islanders can also download a voter registration form. In order to beat the deadline, your original, signed form must be received by us or your local voter-registration location by closing time on Sunday.

September’s primary will include races for the U.S. House of Representatives as well as some General Assembly seats and municipal offices.

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Your Autograph Will Be Popular

Secretary of State sealRhode Islanders should not be surprised to find politicians asking for their autograph for the next week or so.

The nearly 2,400 people who filed Declarations of Candidacy last week have until July 13 to collect the signatures of enough eligible voters to officially put them on the ballot. The thresholds range from 50 for some municipal offices to 100 for state Senate to 1,000 signatures for the U.S. Senate.

“Be prepared for people running for office to knock on your door and approach you at the market.”

Candidates will submit their signature papers to municipal boards of canvassers, which will validate the signatures of local voters before sending them on to us. We have until July 20 to certifiy that candidates collected enough signatures to officially be placed on the ballot for the Sept. 11 primary and Nov. 6 election.

Many other milestones are included in a free 24-page guide that will help voters and candidates navigate this year’s elections. “Election Calendar 2012” outlines crucial deadlines from registering to vote to requesting a mail ballot.

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Go Online to See Who Is Officially Running

Rhode Islanders can use our website to see who filed to run for local, state and federal office on the first day candidates could make it official.

The on-line Candidates Database includes the name and office of everyone who filed a formal Declaration of Candidacy on Monday.

Rhode Islanders who are thinking about running for office have until this Wednesday at 4 p.m. to file in order to be eligible to appear on this year’s ballot. We will update the database nightly so you can wake up to the previous day’s filings.

Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and electors for independent presidential candidates must file with our Elections Division, 148 West River St., Providence. Voters who plan to run for state or local office must file with the board of canvassers in the city or town where they are registered to vote.

The next important milestone in the election calendar occurs from July 3 through July 13, when candidates must collect the signatures of enough eligible voters to officially put them on the ballot. The thresholds range from 50 signatures for some municipal offices to 1,000 signatures for U.S. Senate.

This year there will be contests for many municipal offices, General Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The statewide primary is Sept. 11 and the general election is Nov. 6.

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Candidates Must Make It Official By Wednesday

The campaign season may have begun months ago, but Rhode Islanders who are thinking about running for office must make it official by this Wednesday at 4 p.m. in order to be eligible to appear on this year’s ballot.

Candidates have the next three days to file official Declarations of Candidacy. That deadline is just one of the milestones included in our “How to Run for Office,” a free guide that outlines the key steps candidates must take in contests for everything from school committee to U.S. Senate.

Candidates for federal offices and electors for independent presidential candidates must file their Declaration of Candidacy with us. Voters who plan to run for state or municipal office must file with the board of canvassers in the city or town where they are registered to vote.

The 30-page guide is posted on our website along with the Declaration of Candidacy form and other key documents. You can even track who has filed day by day using our website. Visit tomorrow morning to see who filed today.

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Put Rhody’s Independent History at Your Fingertips

On May 4, 1776, Rhode Island became the first American colony to pass a law renouncing its allegiance to King George III of England, and Rhode Islanders can mark Friday’s 236th anniversary of the occasion by reading the historic document for themselves.

In the handwritten manuscript, colonial lawmakers accused the King of breaking “the compact” with Rhode Island’s citizens by “…by sending fleets and armies to America, to confiscate our property, and spread fire, sword and desolation, throughout our country, in order to compel us to submit to the most debasing and detestable tyranny, whereby we are obliged by necessity, and it becomes our highest duty, to use every means, with which God and nature have furnished us, in support of our invaluable rights and privileges; to oppose that power which is exerted only for our destruction.”

The original manuscript is preserved by the Secretary of State’s office at the State Archives, 337 Westminster St., in downtown Providence. Home to thousands of other historic documents such as the 1921 Act Extending the Right to Vote to Women Citizens and a copy of the original 1638 deed for Providence in Roger Williams’ handwriting, the Archives is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Lottery Decides Top Spots on Presidential Primary Ballot


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Using equipment borrowed from the state lottery, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis today set the order in which the candidates for the Democrat and Republican presidential nomination will appear on the state’s April 24 primary ballot.

Barack Obama  will appear first on the Democratic ballot, followed “Uncommitted.”

 Mitt Romney was selected first in the GOP lottery. He will be followed on the ballot by Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Buddy Roemer, “Uncommitted” and Ron Paul.

Today’s lottery also determined ballot position for the nearly 120 Rhode Islanders who are running to be a delegate at the Democratic or Republican National Convention. The process played out before an audience of about 30 candidates and supporters at the State House.

In order to be eligible to cast a ballot in the presidential primary, Rhode Islanders must register to vote by March 24. April 3 is the deadline to apply for a mail ballot.

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You’re Invited to See How Ballots Are Made


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In preparation for Rhode Island’s own version of Super Tuesday, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is inviting the public to a lottery Wed., March 7, at 5 p.m. in the State Room of the State House.

We will use equipment borrowed from the R.I. Lottery to determine the order in which the candidates for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations will appear on the state’s April 24 primary ballot.

In a scene familiar to Rhode Islanders who watch the state’s daily lottery numbers selected on TV, candidates will be assigned numbered, specially calibrated, white plastic balls. After each ball floats to the top of the machine, we will announce where the corresponding candidate’s name will appear on the ballot.

Barack Obama will compete with “Uncommitted” for the top spot on the Democratic presidential primary ballot. Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Buddy Roemer, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum will compete with “Uncommitted” for ballot position on the Republican ballot.

We will also use the lottery machine to determine ballot position for the 119 Rhode Islanders who are running for the right to attend the Democratic or Republican National Convention as a delegate.

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18,000 signatures later there are 119 candidates


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One-hundred-and-nineteen Rhode Islanders qualified to run for presidential delegate in the state’s April 24 presidential primary.

In order to qualify to appear on the ballot, the candidates had to collect the signatures of at least 150 eligible voters. More than 18,000 signatures were validated by last Friday’s deadline, according to Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

Statewide, 36 Rhode Islanders will vie to represent Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention. Voters will elect 22 delegates on April 24.

Mitt Romney led all Republican candidates with 27 delegates hoping to go to the Republican National Convention. Twenty-three Rhode Islanders are Paul delegates, followed by 22 for Santorum and 11 for Gingrich. No one filed to run as a Roemer delegate. Voters will elect 16 delegates and 16 alternates.

Rhode Islanders must register to vote by March 24 in order to cast a ballot in the presidential primary. April 3 is the deadline to apply for a mail ballot.

April 24’s presidential primary will be the first test of the state’s new Voter ID law. Beginning this year, poll workers will ask voters to show a current and valid ID at the polls. A wide range of IDs will be accepted including a R.I. driver’s license, college ID, U.S. passport and social security card.

Although photo IDs will not be required until 2014, the Secretary of State’s office is visiting every city and town to provide free Voter IDs to registered voters who don’t already have a valid photo ID. This week’s stops include the Leon Mathieu Senior Center, Pawtucket, March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the North Kingstown Senior Center March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon and the Cranston Senior Center March 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

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‘Access 2011’ Looks at General Assembly


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The General Assembly complied with the state Open Meetings law nearly 100 percent of the time last year, according to our new “Access 2011” report.

House compliance rose from 94 percent in 2010 to a record 97 percent last year. Senate compliance increased from 90 percent to 99 percent over the same time period. The Senate’s mark equaled the record it set in 1999 during the administration of former Secretary of State Jim Langevin, who introduced the first “Access” report in 1997.

“A critical measure of government’s commitment to keeping the public informed about its activities is accountability.”

The state’s Open Meetings law requires most governmental bodies to post meeting notices and agendas at least 48 hours in advance. While the General Assembly is exempt from the law, the House and the Senate do issue meeting notices in accordance with their own rules.

As in previous years, nearly all the violations occurred during the last days of the session. Nineteen of the 20 total Open Meetings violations occurred during the two days before the General Assembly recessed on July 1. In 2010, there were 28 last-minute violations.

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135 Want to Go to Presidential Convention

More than 130 Rhode Islanders filed with Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis to run for delegate in the state’s April 24 presidential primary.

Among the prominent names are Joe Paolino, Myrth York and Ray Rickman as Barack Obama delegates and Don Carcieri, Scott Avedisian and Alan Fung as Mitt Romney delegates.

All 135 candidates now have until Feb. 28 to collect the signatures of at least 150 eligible voters in order to qualify to appear on the ballot. The public can follow the progress they are making achieving the 150-signature threshold on our website at sos.ri.gov.

Fifty-two Rhode Islanders hope to represent President Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC, the week of Sept. 3. Voters will elect 22 delegates on April 24.

Romney led all Republican candidates with 27 delegates hoping to go to the Republican National Convention Aug. 27-30 in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Twenty-three Rhode Islanders filed to be Ron Paul delegates, followed by 22 for Rick Santorum and 11 for Newt Gingrich. No one filed to run uncommitted or as a Buddy Roemer delegate. Voters will elect 16 delegates and 16 alternates.

April 24’s presidential primary will be the first test of the state’s new Voter ID law. Rhode Islanders must register to vote by March 24 in order to cast a ballot in the presidential primary. April 3 is the deadline to apply for a mail ballot, which do not require Voter ID.

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See Garrahy Legacy in Photos & Letters


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Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is honoring Joe Garrahy with an on-line tribute that includes photos of the late Governor with celebrities such as Jesse Jackson, Pope John Paul II and President Reagan as well as everyday Rhode Islanders like Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

“We could think of no better way to honor the Governor than to share his legacy with the state he served so admirably. We hope this reminds long-time Rhode Islanders of his achievements and introduces the younger generation to a man who was a role model for us all.”

Many of the items in the electronic photo album are also on display at the State Archives through the end of February. The exhibit is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 337 Westminster St., in downtown Providence. Free validated parking is available at the nearby In-Town Parking lot.

In addition to hosting exhibits, the State Archives is also home to tens of thousands of historic artifacts such as the state’s copy of the Declaration of Independence, the 1920 law granting Rhode Island women the right to vote and a circa-1930 voting machine.

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Ward 9 Residents Face Saturday Deadline

Secretary of State Mollis is reminding residents of Providence’s Ward 9 that this Saturday is the deadline to register to vote in the special election to fill the late Miguel Luna’s City Council seat.

Residents are scheduled to go to the polls Nov. 29. State law requires voters to be registered at least 30 days before an election in order to be eligible to cast a ballot.

In order to register and vote in the special election, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of Ward 9. In addition, state law requires registered voters who have recently changed their names or moved into Ward 9 to re-register.

“If you are not sure whether you are registered to vote or whether your voter-registration information is up to date, check for yourself using our Voter Information Center.”

Even though the deadline falls on a Saturday, Providence officials will open City Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for residents to register or update their voter registration at the last minute.

Carmen Castillo, who won last Tuesday’s Democratic primary, will face off again Republican Christian Chirino.  Castillo’s name will appear first on the ballot thanks to winning the public lottery we held.

There are two more upcoming milestones in the Nov. 29 election calendar.

Nov. 8 is the deadline to request a mail ballot. The Providence Board of Canvassers must receive applications by 4 p.m. on the 8th.

After the deadline for requesting a mail ballot passes, voters who unexpectedly find that they will be unable to vote at their polling place can go to city hall during normal business hours through Nov. 28 and request an Emergency Ballot.