The Providence Board of Canvassers has scheduled a hearing Wednesday on whether State Representative John Carnevale lives in his district. Carnevale has faced questions about his residency after a report by WPRI-TV showed him frequently visiting a house he owns in Johnston. He has denied the allegations.
The Board of Canvassers held one hearing in June, where they determined that there was reasonable cause to question whether Carnevale lives in his Providence district. During tomorrow’s hearing, the Board will interview Carnevale, or a legal representative, to determine where he lives. Claudia Haugin, Chair of the Providence Board of Canvassers, says the Board hopes to reach a definitive answer after the hearing.
“We’re in the midst of elections right now, so we’d like to move beyond this, but we certainly will not rush to make a decision,” said Haugin. “We will review everything that we have and make the right decision about this matter.”
The decision will not affect Rep. Carnevale’s eligibility to run for re-election to his Statehouse seat, although it could impact his registration as a Providence voter. State law prohibits voters from being removed from the voter list within 90 days of an election.
House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has said that he believes Carnevale should not run for re-election if he is not a resident of his district.
Since the allegations about his residency were raised in June, five democrats have announced plans to challenge Carnevale in the state primaries in September. Carnevale serves as vice chair of the House Finance Committee.
