R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-1.1: Declaration of policy.

Those electors who vote by mail 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. The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted to effectuate the policies set forth in this section.