The state Board of Elections Wednesday night declined a request to delay the certification of votes in a high-profile legislative race.
But the board also agreed to investigate concerns about possible wrongdoing with mail ballots.
Mail ballots gave Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello the lead over Republican challenger Steven Frias.
Frias wanted the Elections Board to delay certifying the final vote in the race. He says he considers the board’s decision a partial victory.
“I wish that the board would hold off on certification until they completed their investigation, but at least we are getting an investigation,” said Frias. “That State Police may become involved in this. I feel that at least we are going to get to the truth.”
During the election, a Cranston resident claimed he was intimidated during the process of filing out a mail-in ballot while voting for Frias. Mattiello’s campaign has denied any knowledge or involvement in such allegations.
Frias says he has no plans to fun for public office in the future. Meanwhile, Mattiello has the support to remain speaker when the General Assembly starts its new session in January.