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10/10/2017
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Senator Morgan calls for renewed look at mail-in ballot ID laws
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STATE HOUSE – Senator Elaine J. Morgan, (R-Dist. 34, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond, West Greenwich), today called for scrutiny of recent findings that indicate the possibility of a loophole in the state’s voter ID law.
“Ken’s Block’s report is disturbing and alarming. We need to protect the integrity of our mail ballot system.” Morgan said. “This should not be a Republican or Democrat issue. It is an issue that every Rhode Islander should be concerned with – voter integrity and confidence in our election is the key to credence of our system.”
Morgan said that Block’s findings indicate that those using mail-in ballots have the opportunity to skirt the state’s voter ID laws.
Senator Morgan introduced Senate bill (2017-S 598) in the last legislative session, which would have required require any person voting by mail ballot or emergency mail ballot to provide proof of identity, excepting those in a hospital, hospice, or skilled nursing facility. The bill was held for further study. The bill would have required the signatures of a notary or two witnesses. Morgan said she intends to redraft the bill to add that the witnesses or notaries cannot be affiliated with any campaigns or campaign staff.
“In light of findings from this study, I am hoping for more support for this bill,” Morgan said. “I have also asked our Secretary of State to investigate Ken Block’s findings.”
For more information, contact:
Katie Haughey Cardoza, Senate Minority Office
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2708
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