R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-1.1

Those electors who are unable to vote in person at the polls for the reasons set forth in § 17-20-2 are entitled to vote in a manner which reasonably guarantees the secrecy of their ballots. The procedures set forth in this chapter are designed to promote the effective exercise of their rights while safeguarding those voters who utilize the mail ballot process from harassment, intimidation, and invasion of privacy. The procedures are intended to prevent misuse of the electoral system by persons who are not eligible to vote by mail ballot. The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted to effectuate the policies set forth in this section.