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6/4/2025
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Senate approves Tikoian bill to protect election workers
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence) that would protect election officials and poll workers. Senator Tikoian introduced the legislation on behalf of Secretary of State Gregg Amore.
The bill (2025-S 0729A) would consider election officials and poll workers “public officials” for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.
“It’s well-documented that election workers across the country have faced threats including fentanyl-laced mail, attempted swatting and other assaults,” said Senator Tikoian, a retired Rhode Island State Police major and former North Providence Police chief. “This bill will assure that poll workers and their families are protected against threats of harassment. At a time when Rhode Island needs to attract more poll workers and election officials, adding a protection in the law will show that we support and value their work — and their safety.”
“Election officials and poll workers are at the very heart of our democracy, and they deserve to do their job without fear of harassment or threats,” said Secretary Amore. “I thank Whip Tikoian for showing their support for election officials and poll workers by passing this bill.”
“Threats to public officials” constitutes knowingly and willfully delivering or conveying, directly or indirectly, a verbal or written threat to take the life of, or to inflict bodily harm upon, a public official or a member of their immediate family because of the performance or nonperformance of some public duty. Violators of the law would be guilty of a felony and would be imprisoned for not more than five years, or fined not more than $5,000, or both.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, which passed similar legislation (2025-H 5300) sponsored by Rep. Matthew S. Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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