Canvassing Authority

The Newport Canvassing Authority is charged with conducting all elections for the City of Newport.

Under the direction of the State Board of Elections, and in cooperation with the Secretary of State, the Canvassing Authority is involved in all phases of the electoral process, from voter registration to tallying the votes after the polls close on election day.

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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.