Elections board votes to move R.I. primary to June

ROVIDENCE — Rhode Island’s Board of Elections is seeking to postpone the April 28 presidential preference primary until June 2 to give the state more time to prepare, if necessary, for a potential COVID-19-driven move to an all mail ballot election.

The board voted 6-1 on Tuesday to ask Gov. Gina Raimondo to take all measures necessary — including potentially issuing another emergency executive order — to override the state law that now requires the primary to take place on April 28.

Raimondo spokesman Josh Block responded: “She is open to the idea of moving the election date and will rely on guidance from public health and election officials to inform that decision.

The board’s executive director, Robert Rapoza, cited several arguments for a delay. Among them: “Process is currently disrupted because local communities are operating under severe restrictions due to Coronavirus precautions. ... April 28 is only 6 weeks away. Outbreak is expected to last longer. Coronavirus situation may improve in May or June. ... Protective gear and cleaning supplies may be easier to obtain and provide to the polls.”




https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200317/elections-board-votes-to-move-ri-primary-to-june