FairVote - FairVote Rhode Island

On the eve of our nation's Independance day, RI Governor Carcieri vetoed the national popular vote compact. The measure has the support of 74% of Rhode Islanders across party lines.

In his veto message, Governor Carcieri claimed that "no serious effort had been made" to amend the Constitution to create a national popular vote, despite the fact that amendments have been proposed and voted on in Congress several times in the 20th century.

More broadly, the governor claimed that the compact "subverts the Constitution." But, FairVote RI Director Ari Savitzky said in a press release, the Constitution gives states the ability to award their electors however they see fit.

"The Constitution is very clear as to who has the power to decide how electoral votes are awarded, and that power is vested exclusively and specifically in the state legislatures; The NPV compact flows directly from that constitutional basis," Savitzky said. "By vetoing this measure, it is the Governor who has subverted that principle."

FairVote RI is now urging an over-ride of the governor's veto. (Pictured here: Ari speaks with Rhode Islanders about the National Popular Vote compact at a recent discussion in Providence)

Pre-Registration Vetoed, FairVote RI Urging Override

Third year in a row that the youth engagement measure is vetoed

On Monday, June 23, Governor Carcieri vetoed bills sponsored by Senator Rhoda Perry and Representative Edwin Pacheco which would allow voter pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds. The same legislation was vetoed by the governor in 2006 and 2007, and this year's pre-registration bill had passed with bi-partisan support, the endorsement of over 25 local groups and its largest margin yet.

In his veto message, the governor called the measure, which would create a uniform age of 16 for young people to pre-register, "a solution without a problem." But the problem is clear: young people are registered at much lower rates than the general population, hindering the start of the voting habit.

The veto also came despite a letter from Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis describing how pre-registration could be implemented. Mollis stressed the straightforward nature of the modifications to Rhode Island's registration system. The Governor, however, argued that pre-registration would clog the voter rolls--despite the fact that pre-registration could make the registration system as a whole less error prone..

Now FairVote RI is urging the General Assembly to override the Governor's veto. Email us to learn how to take action, or contact your state legislator!

RI General Assembly Approves National Popular Vote

Advance registration bill already on the Governor's desk

On June 19th, the General Assembly approved the National Popular Vote compact. It's a huge victory for FairVote RI, for the NPV coalition, for the legislators who backed the bill, including sponsors House Judiciary Chairman Donald Lally and State Senator Daniel Connors, and for Rhode Island.

The key votes followed a robust debate in the House. After discussing the House bill for more than 40 minutes, the House passed it by a 36-34 margin. Later in the night the House approved the Senate version by a 34-28 margin. The RI House became the 19th state legislative chamber to pass the compact.

"This was an extremely important and heartfelt debate, and it's a big victory for democracy, and for the 74% of Rhode Islanders who support a national popular vote," FairVote RI Director Ari Savitzky said.

Want to learn more about the national popular vote compact? Check out nationalpopularvote.com, and come hear a discussion on the plan with FairVote RI's Ari Savitzky at 7PM this Wednesday, June 25th, at Blue State Coffee on Thayer Street in Providence.

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August 8th 2008
Candidates ignore R.I.:

FairVote's Ari Savitzky and former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) write commentary making the case for the National Popular Vote plan for president.

July 21st 2008
State's electoral votes may end up playing hard to get
The Brown Daily Herald

The Daily Herald's coverage of the national popular vote push in RI quotes FairVote RI's Ari Savitzky

July 8th 2008
Chafee joins push for Electoral College reform
The Providence Journal

Former US Sen. Lincoln Chafee is backing the national popular vote plan

July 4th 2008
A simple way to encourage youth voting
The Providence Journal

FairVote Executive Director Rob Richie and Rhode Island Director Ari Savitzky explain why a uniform registration age merits an over-ride vote in Rhode Island

June 21st 2008
R.I. lawmakers approve plan on national popular vote

The RI General Assembly passes the National Popular Vote, a major item on FairVote RI's democracy reform agenda

June 20th 2008
Flurry on Smith Hill means the end is near
The Providence Journal

After a vigorous debate, the RI House passed the National Popular Vote, a key item on the FairVote RI agenda

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