PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis announces that the special election to fill the seat of former state Rep. Elizabeth Dennigan will take place on Dec. 29. Her district stretches along the banks of the Seekonk River in East Providence and Pawtucket.
“Given the difficult reality of the upcoming holidays, we focused on creating a calendar that encourages voter turnout while ensuring residents will have representation in the House as soon as possible,” said Mollis.
State law gives the Secretary of State the authority to set special elections under certain circumstances. Dennigan’s resignation last week with more than half her term remaining to be served is the primary trigger in the law. At least 75 days are required in order to accommodate all the steps in the election process such that are required by law.
The Secretary of State collaborated with the East Providence and Pawtucket boards of canvassers in developing the special election calendar for House District 62, which Dennigan had represented since 1997. Mollis said the partnerships with the local boards will be essential to carrying out the special election.
A primary will be held Nov. 24, if necessary. Residents must register to vote by Oct. 24 in order to vote in the primary. Nov. 28 is the deadline for registering to vote in the December election.
The special election calendar includes several other crucial dates. Candidates must file their Declaration of Candidacy on Oct. 15 or Oct. 16 Candidates must file their declarations with the board of canvassers in the city in which they are registered to vote. In order to run for the seat, candidates must be registered House District 62 voters.
The deadline for political party endorsements is Oct. 19. In order to qualify for the ballot, candidates must submit their nomination papers – including the signatures of at least 50 House District 62 voters – by Oct. 27.
It won't be known whether a primary will be necessary until the East Providence and Pawtucket boards of canvassers and the Secretary of State’s office have determined whether the candidates submitted enough certified signatures to qualify for the ballot. The certification of signatures generally takes several days.
Nov. 3 is the deadline for voters to request a mail ballot for a primary, if necessary. Mail ballots for the election must be requested by Dec. 8.
As Secretary of State, Mollis oversees many aspects of federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. His office also publishes guidebooks that include important dates in the election cycle as well as outline how to run for office and how to register to vote.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about registering to vote, visit www.sec.state.ri.us/elections.
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