R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-8: Qualifications of moderators and clerks — Vacancies.

The moderators and clerks shall each be able to read the Constitution of the state in the English language, and to write their names. Every person appointed as a moderator or clerk shall immediately be notified of his or her appointment and shall, within five (5) days of his or her appointment, accept or decline the appointment, and shall be, at least three (3) days prior to the election, sworn to the faithful discharge of his or her duties by some member of the board making the appointment. In case any appointed person neglects to qualify or is unable or fails to serve, the vacancy shall be filled by the board making the appointment, and the appointee shall be, whenever possible, of the same political affiliation as the person failing to qualify, and shall, before serving, qualify before some member of the board.