Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 410 - Board of Elections
Chapter 20 - Elections
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 10 - Nomination Papers - Affidavit of Person Obtaining Signatures
Section 410-RICR-20-00-10.5 - Pattern of Forgery

A. The local board shall immediately notify the state board in writing and/or via electronic mail if the local board suspects a consistent pattern of forgery as prescribed by R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-23-17 on the nomination papers of a local, state, or federal candidate.

B. If the state board or its Executive Director have reason to believe that fraud has occurred, and upon notification of allegations of any consistent pattern of suspected forged signatures on nomination papers of a local, state, or federal candidate, the state board or its Executive Director shall review the allegations and, shall as soon as possible notify all corresponding local boards.

C. The state board, if it deems necessary, shall order a review of all nomination papers of a local, state, or federal candidate whose nomination papers include a consistent pattern of suspected forged signatures as prescribed in § 10.6(A) of this Part.

D. The state board shall notify the secretary of state, both in writing and via electronic mail its specific findings of its review of a local, state, or federal candidate whose nomination papers include suspected forged signatures, and whether the board's determination affects a candidate's qualification for a position on the ballot.