Veto Override

Providence, RI – Today, during a special meeting, the Providence City Council voted 11 to 3 override Mayor Jorge Elorza’s veto of 10 ballot questions, including creating a hybrid school board of elected and appointed members. The Council has a total of 15 members. A supermajority of 11 councilors voted in favor of the override. 3 members voted against the override, and 1 councilor was absent.

“The City Council has given the people of Providence the right to vote on these important questions during the upcoming November 8th election. Democracy has prevailed,” said Council President John Igliozzi.

The city’s Charter Review Commission made the ballot recommendations after seven months of meeting each week, public outreach, public hearings, Zoom meetings, and receiving testimony from stakeholders, citizens, and department heads.

To view the 10 ballot questions, click here: https://bit.ly/3JRJluc .

School Bond Referendum

Separately, all 14 Councilors present voted in favor of supporting a $125 million bond referendum to fund infrastructure improvements for Providence Public School buildings.

“Providence students deserve to learn in clean and safe school buildings. That’s why I fully support making this investment in our school infrastructure, but ultimately, we’re investing in our children,” added Council President Igliozzi.

The ballot questions will be presented to the Secretary of State’s Office later today to be placed on the November ballot.