RI Lawmakers Legalize Brownies and Cookies at Polling Places

Rhode Island lawmakers deserve a cookie.

And they might be able to get one the next time they head to the polls next election thanks to a just-passed law that lifts a ban on bake sales at polling places.

The bill, introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Frank S. Lombardi of Cranston, was filed in response to a sweet controversy that heated up in his home city last year when a local community group was told by the state Board of Elections that its planned bake sale on Election Day was illegal.

PTOs and other organizations have long since relied on the Election Day bake sales to generate much-needed revenue for programs, scholarships and other events they host throughout the year.

There’s no doubt that groups have a captive audience on Election Day, which brings scores of people to school buildings where many cities and towns run their polling places. In a particularly hot political race, long lines and big crowds can mean field trips and musical instruments for kids.

“These bakes sales had been going on for years without any incidents or problems,” Lombardi said. “Raising money to provide a better and broader education for our school children is something PTOs are committed to doing, and as long as those events were not hindering people from casting their votes, I saw no reason to prevent them from taking place.”

So why were they illegal?

In fact, their activity could be considered a felony under state law, which prohibits any activity that “wilfully hinders the orderly conduct of any election.”

The intention of the law is to prevent politicking, intimidation or coercion at polling places to ensure the spirit of a true Democracy. It’s the same reason why candidates and supporters can stand outside near the polling place but can’t approach voters by the door.

“I understand that, under existing law, conducting a bake sale at a polling place is technically a violation, but sometimes laws with good intentions can have unfortunate consequences. Denying our school children extra educational opportunities that PTO fund-raising events are able to provide would be unfortunate,” said Senator Lombardi.

The bill had more than a dozen co-sponsors. A companion House bill was passed and is awaiting final Senate action, which is essentially a sure bet. Afterwards, it will head to Governor Gina Raimondo for approval.