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June 17, 2008

Carcieri to push for passage of voting bills

PROVIDENCE -- With the legislative session hurtling toward adjournment, Governor Carcieri today will urge the General Assembly to approve bills that include asking voters in a non-binding referendum whether to end straight-party voting.

The straight-party option on a ballot allows voters to cast one vote for a party's election slate.

S-2409, whose prime sponsor is Sen. June Gibbs, R-Middletown, and H-8108, whose prime sponsor is Rep. Jon Brien, D-Woonsocket, are companion proposals that would put the non-binding referendum question before voters.

The Journal has reported that Republicans in the state have sought removal of the straight-party option for some time, asserting it helps Democrats, who have held wide majorities in Rhode Island politics. Others, such as the Green Party, have also sought to end straight-ticket voting. Some Republicans have argued the option can dissuade people from running for office.

A third bill, H-8243, whose prime sponsor is Rep. Nicholas Gorham, R-Coventry, would require people to present identification before voting and specify acceptable kinds of identification.

Carcieri's office issued a news release saying the governor, a Republican, will announce support for the bills at 1 p.m. today in the State Room of the State House.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 9:30 AM | Permalink

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