Election Board Exempts Fire District From Filing Requirements

The Rhode Island Board of Elections (BOE) has told the Coventry Citizens Taskforce for Fire Protection that it need not register as a political action committee, according to a release from the Taskforce.

In a response to a request for guidance by the Taskforce, the Board of Elections said that the statute, RIGL 17-1-2(1), specifically excludes “a financial town meeting or a meeting to elect officers of a fire, water or sewer district” from the definition of election. 

In its opinion, BOE legal counsel wrote “Whereas, this office has no jurisdiction over the election of officers to a fire district, it is not necessary for Central Coventry Citizens Taskforce to register and file reports with the Board of Elections as a political action committee, nor is it necessary for individuals to file reports with the Board of Elections as board member candidates.”

Fred Gralinski, co-chair of the Citizens’ Taskforce, said an opinion was solicited from the Board of Election to ensure that the Taskforce was in compliance with all applicable state law.

“This response is unequivocal in exempting the Taskforce or any of its candidates from registering as a political action committee or as candidates, and from related reporting requirements," said Gralinski.

“This of course applies to all other candidates running for the new CCFD board, and is not exclusive to the Taskforce, and I think everyone will be more comfortable with this guidance in hand.” 

Gralinski said the BOE was asked for an opinion as a precautionary measure, and that the Taskforce was not aware that this was an issue with anyone in Coventry.

An all-day referendum vote to elect a CCFD Board of Directors will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Coventry Town Hall.