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2/1/2021 Rep. Shanley named chairman of new House Committee on State Government and Elections
STATE HOUSE — Rep. Evan P. Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick) has been appointed chairman of the new House Committee on State Government and Elections by Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).

The new committee, which was recently established when the House of Representatives adopted its rules for the session, will be responsible for legislation relating to state affairs, governmental departments and divisions, administrative procedures, open meetings, elections law and constitutional amendments.

“I’m excited to lead this new committee, and I thank Speaker Shekarchi for giving me this responsibility,” said Representative Shanley. “Laws regarding our elections have become more and more important as we navigate a sea of new rules and technology. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee as we address legislation that impacts the most fundamental framework of our democracy.”

During the last session, Representative Shanley introduced a law that amends the state’s emergency mail ballot procedures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation adds an additional option for securing a mail ballot by permitting emergency mail ballot applications to be processed at local boards of canvassers in person on electronic poll pads, which allows voters to cast their ballot and place the ballot themselves into a state-approved voting machine at the local board of canvassers. Voters have up to 20 days before the election to vote in this manner.

In addition to his new role as committee chairman, Representative Shanley has been assigned to serve on the House Committee on Innovation, Internet and Technology, the Committee on Municipal Government and Housing, and the Committee on Rules.



For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922