AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES

SB 521 establishes a clear process for filling vacancies in municipal election boards (called "local canvassing authorities") in Rhode Island cities and towns. It requires political party chairpersons to submit lists of eligible voters within 30 days of a vacancy, and mandates that mayors or council presidents nominate replacements from those lists within another 30 days. The bill also clarifies that board members serve staggered six-year terms expiring on March 1 in odd-numbered years, and directs city/town clerks to correct any term date errors immediately. This affects local election offices directly by ensuring consistent staffing for handling election results and voter registration.