PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 1, 2007) – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis announced the special election to fill the seat of the late Newport state Rep. Paul Crowley will take place Tues., Dec. 18. A primary will be held Tues., Nov. 13, if necessary.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends and all the people he represented so well over the years,” said Mollis. “Our priority is making it easier to vote. We selected a date that met the letter of the law as well as encouraged the highest voter turnout possible given the challenge of the upcoming holiday season.”
Rhode Island’s general laws give the Secretary of State the authority to set special elections under certain circumstances. Crowley’s death last week with more than half his term remaining to be served is one of the triggers in the law. The other crucial factor affecting the selection of the date is the 70-to-90-day time limit set forth in the law.
Mollis collaborated with the Newport Board of Canvassers in developing the House District 75 special election calendar. Mollis said the partnership with Canvassing Clerk Rick O'Neill and his staff will be essential to carrying out the special election.
The calendar includes several other crucial dates. Candidates must file their Declaration of Candidacy with the Newport Board of Canvassers Oct. 4 or 5. The deadline for submitting nomination papers – including the signatures of at least 50 registered District 75 voters – to the Board is Oct. 16.
Crowley was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1981. He was deputy chairman of the House Finance Committee and served on the House Separation of Powers Committee and the Joint Legislative Committee to Establish a Permanent Education Foundation Aid Formula.
For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.