R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-24.1
The requirements set forth by this chapter controlling mail ballot eligibility and the procedure by which mail ballots are obtained and cast shall be strictly applied to assure the integrity of the electoral system. No mail ballot which was not obtained and/or cast in material conformance with the provisions of this title shall be certified by the board of elections. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require the disqualification of a ballot merely because the elector did not sign the elector's full name as it is listed on the voter registration list, but omitted or included a middle initial or name, abbreviated a first and/or middle name, or made a similar omission or inclusion, as long as the board of elections can reasonably determine the identity of the voter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-24.1