Common Cause Rhode Island

“The Supreme Court really put the nail in the federal Voting Rights Act. In Rhode Island, the only body that can step up and protect the right to vote for communities of color is going to be the General Assembly.” - Common Cause RI executive director John Marion

Better luck next year, Rhode Island Voting Rights Act. Here’s why it stalled this session. • Rhode Island Current As the Rhode Island General Assembly closes out its 2026 session this week, a proposal to codify federal protections against voter suppression into Rhode Island law is being deferred by legislators next year.

Important statement from the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act campaign📣

As the 2026 legislative session is slated to end by next Friday, June 12th, there is limited time for us to get the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act over the finish line. That's why we are inviting you to join us this Sunday at 7 PM for an update on the bill's status, the path forward, and how you can get involved in the final week of the session and beyond!

Register for the Zoom briefing here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8YIplkPtSZ6rp1xM8TEWdQ #/registration

Central Congregational Church, June 10!
How do our elections actually work, and how well are they working for everyone?

Join us for a fireside chat led by former Lt. Governor Elizabeth Howlett (formerly Roberts) and hear from Kathy Placencia, Director of Elections, RI Dept of State, and John Marion, Executive Director, Common Cause RI.

Stay for the table discussions that follow led by Reverend Patrick Faulhaber.

Food is provided but registration is appreciated.

Email [email protected] to sign up.

This morning, our executive director, John Marion, joined Matt Netto from AARP Rhode Island and Carol Anne Costa from Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island at the Rhode Island State House for a panel discussion convened by Leadership Rhode Island.

All are invited to join us tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Rhode Island State House Library for the RI Voter Rights Act Lobby Day with Common Cause Rhode Island and 20+ community organizations.

The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act (HB-8334 & SB-3143) protects:
🔵 Equal voting rights for all
🔵 The freedom to vote without harassment or intimidation
🔵 Fair representation for communities of color during redistricting
🔵 The right to challenge discriminatory voting practices

Stand with us for fair and accessible voting rights in Rhode Island. 🤝

➡️ RSVP: https://act.commoncause.org/events/lobby-day-for-the-rhode-island-voting-rights-act