Newport joins Jamestown in launching police investigations into Matos’ campaign signatures

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Newport Canvassing Authority voted Wednesday to refer a number of signatures related to the Rhode Island 1st Congressional District race to police for investigation.

The vote comes days after Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos’ campaign submitted some names to the Jamestown Board of Canvassers that showed “discrepancies.”

Jamestown police and the Rhode Island Attorney General are now investigating that incident.

“While it is clear we have submitted more than enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, I am deeply troubled by what has been reported in the news” said Matos Wednesday. “Anyone who violated the law should be held accountable and will have no role on my campaign.”

Also Wednesday, Gabe Amo, who’s also running for Congress, called for a full investigation into Matos’ campaign signatures, saying that there’s been no accountability from the lieutenant governor.

Ballots for Rep. David Cicilline’s vacant seat will be finalized Wednesday by the Board of Elections. Each candidate had to submit 500 signatures of supporting voters to boards across the state.