The Canvassing Authority is comprised of three members, plus two alternates, in accordance with Rhode Island General Law 17-8-1.  Each member of the local canvassing authority shall be appointed by the Newport City Council to serve for a term of six (6) years beginning on the first Monday of March succeeding the date of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. No person shall be appointed or serve as a member of the authority who is an officer or employee of the United States or of this state, or who is an officer or employee of the authority's city or town; provided, that in any city a member of the authority may be employed as its clerk.

It is the goal of the Authority to ensure the will of the majority of the City's citizens is accurately voiced in each Municipal, State and General Election; and to serve the City Council and the citizens of Newport by registering as many new voters as possible and encouraging all citizens to vote.