Projo Politics Blog

In an open letter today to Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano, Common Cause Rhode Island decried vacancies on the Rhode Island Board of Elections.

The letter reads in part: “We at Common Cause Rhode Island are deeply concerned that there are currently three vacancies on the seven-member Rhode Island Board of Elections, with a fourth vacancy expected this summer.

“On May 21, Governor Donald Carcieri submitted two appointments to the Board of Elections for the Senate's advice and consent ... If the governor's appointments, tardy as they are, are not scheduled soon for public confirmation hearings, a major electoral crisis faces Rhode Island. If at least two seats are not filled before the Senate adjourns, the Board of Elections will not have a quorum to certify the results of this fall's state and federal elections. If that happens, Rhode Islanders will go to the polls in vain during a Presidential election year when voter turnout is expected to break records.”

Common Cause urged Montalbano to schedule confirmation hearings for the appointments.

-- Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault

Comments

Joan said:

Isn't there anything that can be done about the governor's tardiness in filling vacant seats on commissions. This has happened too many times and he seems to act like it is his privilege to take his time in conducting these appointments. This happened in the jucicial selections, members of the JNC, and other commissions. What is his problem? Stupidity? or Laziness?

Link | June 10, 2008 6:44 PM
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