R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-6
Whenever the town council, or whenever ten percent (10%) of the electors of any town, as provided in this section, less any fractional part that may appear in this computation thereof, shall make a request, in writing, for the calling of a town meeting to transact any business relating to the town in respect of which they shall have a right to vote, and direct the request to the town clerk, the town clerk shall cause the electors to be notified of the time when and the place where the meeting is to be held, and of the business proposed to be transacted; except as provided in § 45-3-7; provided, that the ten percent (10%) shall be computed on the total number of electors appearing on the last canvassed voting lists of the town as having a right to vote in the transaction of any business that may be presented at the meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-6