Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Persons Entitled To Vote (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize The Submission To The Electors Of A Constitutional Amendment That Would Allow Eligible Citizens To Register To Vote Removing The Requirement That The Registration Be Completed Thirty (30) Days Before An Election.)
Impact
The proposed amendment is set to significantly impact the existing voting laws in the state. By allowing citizens to register to vote closer to election day, the bill aims to increase voter participation, particularly among young people and those who may not have planned ahead for the registration requirement. This change could address previous concerns regarding voter turnout, making it easier for people to exercise their democratic right. Supporters of the bill argue that it aligns with modern practices and fosters a more inclusive electoral process.
Summary
Bill S2216 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the voting registration requirements in Rhode Island. Specifically, it seeks to eliminate the existing stipulation that voters must register at least thirty days prior to an election. This change is intended to enhance accessibility to the voting process for eligible citizens, ensuring that more individuals can participate in elections without the barrier of an early registration deadline. If passed, the amendment would come into effect on January 1, 2023, and would be presented to the electors for approval during the next general election.
Contention
There are notable points of contention regarding Bill S2216. Opponents may express concerns about the potential for increased instances of fraud, as allowing same-day registration could complicate verification processes. Additionally, there are fears that the change might overwhelm local election offices and resources during high-turnout elections. Advocates for the amendment address these concerns by emphasizing the importance of accessibility and participation in the democratic process, positing that the benefits of increased voter engagement outweigh the potential risks.
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (Proposes to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)
JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE (Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 2 years, continuously, prior to taking office.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)