The Moderate Party of Rhode Island won a constitutional lawsuit on May 29, giving it the ability to start circulating its petition for full party status. The party received the blank petition forms from the state on June 1, and by volunteer efforts alone, already has 1,500 signatures. It needs 23,589 valid signatures by next year.

It is still possible that the state will appeal the decision. Although the Secretary of State doesn’t wish to appeal, it is possible the Board of Elections will appeal. A decision must be made by the end of June.