Rhode Island Regulations § 410-RICR-20-00-25.2 Definitions

A. "Drop box" shall mean a locked and secure container that shall serve as a receptacle for the receipt of mail and emergency ballots cast by voters under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 17-20 during regularly scheduled biennial primaries and elections, and special primaries, special elections, and special referendums (hereinafter "Election Day"). Every Drop Box established by the Board shall be deemed to be the property of the Board and shall be available to the public beginning twenty (20) days prior to Election Day and twenty-four (24) hours per day and seven (7) days per week throughout this period if established outside the municipal building, and during the normal business hours of the facility if established inside the municipal building. All Drop Boxes must be accessible on Election Day from 7:00 A.M. through 8:00 P.M. (except for New Shoreham which shall be available from 9:00 A.M. through 8:00 P.M.), in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-18-10 and 17-18-11 .

B. "Sealed certification envelope" shall mean the envelope described under R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-21 that is provided to the mail ballot applicant by the Secretary of State for purposes of returning by mail the completed ballot to the Board of Elections. The Sealed Certification Envelope includes the certification provision set forth under R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-21 .

C. "Secure ballot transfer device" shall mean a lockable bag or container in which ballots deposited at a Drop Box shall be placed for purposes of transporting to the Board of Elections. Said device shall remain locked while in transit to the Board of Elections and be accessible only by the Board of Elections or the local board of canvassers.