The Canvassing Authority reports to the Office of the Secretary of State, Elections and Civics Division, on matters relating to the certification of candidates, nomination petitions, mail ballot applications, and updating and maintenance of voter registration and to the State Board of Elections for voting machines, poll workers' training meetings, interpretations of the State election laws, and any new legislation that may affect elections.
The Canvassing Department is managed by the Canvassing Authority administrator whose duties and responsibilities include supervising the office staff and preparing and administering the department budget. The Office maintains voter registration records and provides residents with voter registration forms, local candidate declaration forms, mail ballot applications, election information, sample ballots, etc. Residents wishing to register or update registration information may do so by submitting a voter registration form in person or by mail.
Voters should contact the office if any of the following changes have occurred since May 2006:
- If you or a family member have married
- If you or a family member moved within the city
- If there has been a death in your family
- If a family member has moved out of the city
Voting from an address different than where you live is a violation of state election law.
Canvassing Authority: General Laws 1956 - Sec. 17-8-1 & 17-8-2
Members:
The Canvassing Authority consists of three members (qualified electors) - bipartisan - not more than two of the same political party. Mayor shall nominate from lists of party voters (containing five times number to be appointed) submitted by chairmen of the political parties.
Paul Moura 3/2/2023 - 3/1/2029
William J Murphy 9/6/2022 - 9/5/2028
Christopher Dias 3/2/2022 - 3/1/2028
Virginia DeFreitas 3/1/2022 - 2/29/2028
Jerome R Spinola 3/2/2018 - 3/1/2024
Term: The canvassing term is six years and begins on first Monday of March succeeding date of appointment or until the successor is elected and qualified.
