Bill Sponsors
McNamara, Corvese, Shekarchi, and Diaz
Committee
House State Government & Elections
Summary
Select
This legislation amends the schedule for Rhode Island's presidential preference primaries and the election of delegates to national conventions. Specifically, it establishes that for the 2024 election cycle, the primary will be held on April 2, 2024. For future election cycles, beginning in 2028, the bill moves the primary date to the first Tuesday in March. This change effectively shifts Rhode Island's future presidential primaries to an earlier date in the calendar year compared to the previous schedule of late April.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Increases the relevance of Rhode Island voters by moving the primary to March in future years, potentially forcing candidates to pay more attention to local progressive issues.
- Encourages higher voter engagement and turnout by aligning the state's primary with a more active part of the national election season starting in 2028.
- Provides immediate clarity and stability for the 2024 election cycle, ensuring voters know exactly when to access the ballot box.
Cons for Progressives
- Moving the primary earlier in future cycles creates a shorter window for grassroots candidates to build momentum against well-funded establishment candidates.
- Does not address systemic barriers to voting or implement reforms like ranked-choice voting, focusing only on the calendar date.
- Retains a state-run primary system that some progressives may view as less open or accessible than other potential nomination methods.
Pros for Conservatives
- Establishes a clear, fixed schedule for elections, promoting order and predictability in the state's governance.
- Asserts the state's authority to manage its own election calendar independent of federal mandates or external pressures.
- Ensures that Rhode Island conservative voters have a voice earlier in the process in future years, rather than voting after a nominee is effectively decided.
Cons for Conservatives
- Changing election dates can cause confusion among the electorate, potentially disrupting the traditional voting habits of residents.
- Aligning with earlier "Super Tuesday" style dates in the future might encourage national political machines to influence local politics more heavily.
- Fails to utilize the legislation to implement stronger election integrity measures or voter ID requirements while amending the election laws.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Voters
- Political Parties
- Election Officials
- Political Candidates
- Campaign Workers
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
None
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/14/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Section 17-12.1-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-12.1 entitled "Primaries for Election of Delegates to National Conventions and for Presidential Preference" is hereby amended to read as follows:
17-12.1-1. Date of primaries for election of delegates to national conventions.
(a) A primary election for the election of delegates to the national convention for each political party shall be held in the manner provided in this chapter on thefourth Tuesday in April 2012 first Tuesday in March 2028, and every fourth year thereafter.
(b) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (a), for the 2024 primary election only, the election of delegates to the national convention for each political party and for presidential preference shall be conducted on April 2, 2024.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
17-12.1-1. Date of primaries for election of delegates to national conventions.
(a) A primary election for the election of delegates to the national convention for each political party shall be held in the manner provided in this chapter on the
(b) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (a), for the 2024 primary election only, the election of delegates to the national convention for each political party and for presidential preference shall be conducted on April 2, 2024.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.