Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0124

Introduced
2/1/23  

Caption

Nomination Of Party And Independent Candidates

Impact

The amendment directly impacts the election laws governing the nomination of candidates for significant positions including the United States Senate, Governor, and other state offices. By eliminating the signature requirement for unopposed candidates, S0124 simplifies the election procedures and is expected to encourage more individuals to enter the political arena, particularly in races where they might be the only candidate. This law would take effect on January 1, 2024, giving sufficient time for changes to be implemented ahead of upcoming elections.

Summary

Bill S0124, titled 'Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates', proposes to amend the nomination process for various political offices in Rhode Island. The key change introduced by this bill is the removal of the requirement for unopposed candidates to file nominating signatures for certification. This aims to streamline the nomination process, particularly for candidates who are running without opposition, allowing them to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to ease the entry of candidates into elections, it is likely to spark discussions about the implications of reducing checks on candidacy. Critics may argue that while easing requirements for unopposed candidates is beneficial, there needs to be a balance to ensure that nomination processes remain robust enough to maintain the integrity of electoral participation. Therefore, while the intention behind S0124 is to promote participation, it may face scrutiny regarding the quality and accountability of those stepping into these roles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI HB126

In nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates and for nominations by political bodies.

RI H5277

Changes the process of nominating candidates for the general election, by replacing the political party primary with a primary general election.

RI SB1153

Write-in candidates; nomination paper filing

RI HB2262

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for United States Senator and nominations and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships; and, in nominations of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, for nominations by minor political parties, for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and for nominations by political bodies, repealing provisions relating to filing fee and further providing for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath.

RI HB1898

In nomination of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries.

RI SB658

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; and, in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for nominations by political bodies, for limitations on eligibility of candidates and for affidavits of candidates.

RI SB1276

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

RI HB1278

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

RI HB0232

Candidate Nomination Procedures Amendments

RI S3201

Makes several amendments to provide for an online nomination paper portal for election nomination papers.

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