NEW: Right to Vote Guaranteed to Those in Line at the Polls

NEW: Right to Vote Guaranteed to Those in Line at the Polls

Legislation was approved by the Senate to guarantee that any voters in line when the polls officially close, even those standing outside the polling place, will be allowed to vote.

Sponsored by Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown) and requested by the Secretary of State, the bill, (2013-S0626), eliminates language in current law that limits the guarantee to vote to those who are standing in line inside the building where voting is taking place. Individuals standing in line outside the building when the polls close can now be turned away.

Every voter in line has the right to cast their vote.

“We have seen long lines at some polling places during some elections, and there have been instances where lines move very slowly because of problems with some of the voting machines,” said Senator Sheehan. “Individuals who have gotten into line while the polls are still open have every right to cast their ballot, no matter how long they have to wait after the polls officially close.”

Senator Sheehan said he has been informed that, with enactment of the legislation, election officials at polling places with long lines stretching outside the voting building will take up a place at the end of the official line to ensure that those already in line are allowed to vote, but will have the right to turn away anyone who shows up after the official close of voting – 8 p.m. in Rhode Island.

“If voters arrive on time and are willing to wait as long as it takes to cast their ballot, they should not ever be turned away,” he said. “Changing the language of existing law by enactment of this legislation will protect the most valued right every American has – the right to vote.”

Consistency in the voting process across the state.

Senator Sheehan said that approval of the language will make the voting process more consistent around the state since the facilities where polls are located vary widely – some having enough space to accommodate many people inside, and others more crowded, thereby forcing would-be voters to stand outside to wait their turn to cast their ballots.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, which has already approved identical bill.