06/18/2026
The Rhode Island Board of Elections and the RI Department of State today announced the graduation of the first cohort of election officials from the Election Training and Certification (ETAC) Program, a professional development and certification program developed and administered jointly by the State’s election agencies. Sixty-seven election officials earned their ETAC certifications.
“Our local Boards of Canvassers are the frontline of conducting elections in Rhode Island,” said Rhode Island Board of Elections Executive Director Miguel Nunez. “By providing our partners with the professional development and best practices offered through this certification program, we are ensuring a professional, skilled, and prepared workforce capable of conducting successful elections while building public trust in our electoral process.”
“Rhode Island’s election system is strengthened by the division of responsibilities between the RI Department of State, the State Board of Elections, and local boards of canvassers,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “Our office was proud to work with the Board of Elections to make this program available to the dedicated elections professionals throughout our state, helping to ensure we are all prepared ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.”
“The success of our democratic process relies on dedicated, well trained elections professionals,” said Rhode Island Board of Elections Chairwoman Jennifer Johnson. “By prioritizing professional development through the ETAC Program, we are equipping our election officials with the specialized training and tools needed to grow their expertise. I want to congratulate the first cohort of election workers from across Rhode Island who worked hard to earn their ETAC certifications."
Rhode Island’s local Boards of Canvassers are the primary point of contact for voters and play an integral role in ensuring the integrity of polling locations and of every ballot cast. The ETAC program recognizes their vital role by providing a standardized series of training courses to ensure uniformity in the administration of elections across all Rhode Island municipalities.
To earn certification, election workers completed a series of 13 classes and assessments covering topics, including:
✅Rhode Island election law and the roles of election administrators
✅Cybersecurity practices
✅Voter registration, mail ballots, and signature verification
✅Election equipment use and maintenance
✅Public records requests, retention, and open meetings
✅Selecting and setting up polling places and recruiting poll workers
