EAST PROVIDENCE — The state police are being asked to investigate whether signatures were fraudulently collected or forged on nomination papers for two local candidates — former state Rep. Brian Coogan and newcomer Shannon L. Barbosa.

They are running for City Council and School Committee seats, respectively, in a nonpartisan election.

With candidates present, the city Canvassing Authority voted 2 to 1 at its meeting last night to involve the state police because chairwoman Dorothy O’Gara and alternate member John Botelho believe the three clerks in the canvassing office and the board shouldn’t be “detectives.”

Canvasser Thomas Riley dissented, saying the measure was not appropriate. Audience members and supporters of Coogan and Barbosa also questioned why the authority discussed the matter without an “official” challenge. In addition, they said every candidate has signatures thrown out, which is why it is common practice to collect more than what’s needed.

“Why are these two candidates being singled out?” Riley asked. “Even without these signatures, both candidates have [more than enough certified signatures] to proceed for office.”

All candidates have to first declare what seat they are vying for by a specific date. They then have to collect a specific amount of signatures from registered voters from their ward, district, city or state — depending on the office being sought — by another date. Canvassing clerks immediately certify signatures they believe are valid on the nomination papers and disqualify others. Some reasons for disqualification include the signature was illegible or the signer isn’t a registered voter.

If enough signatures are certified, the person becomes a candidate.

Coogan, seeking the Ward 2 seat on the council, submitted 397 signatures that he and his supporters collected. Canvassing clerk Maryann Callahan said 280 were certified and of the 117 disqualified, 14 appeared to be signed by the same person.

Barbosa, seeking the Ward 2 seat on the school board, submitted 315 signatures. Callahan said 209 were certified and 26 disqualified signatures looked questionable.

Both needed to submit only 200 certified signatures by the end of today. They filed their nomination papers early.

“I can have everyone come in and say they signed the papers,” Coogan said, interrupting last night’s board meeting. While O’Gara tried to silence him, he continued, “Every person wanted to come, but they were told not to.”

City Solicitor William Conley Jr. said the law states the authority could only decide at last night’s meeting whether it wants to proceed with a full hearing based on the information it now has. He also said a challenge about the validity of signatures can only come from another candidate or the chairperson of the city’s Republican or Democratic committees.

Callahan questioned the signatures and went to Conley and O’Gara about them.

“I don’t consider that detective work,” O’Gara said regarding the fact that Callahan was inspecting signatures against the resident’s voter registration cards. “That’s part of her responsibilities.”

Said Coogan, “All this is, is to get the headline in the paper. It’s not fair, but I welcome the police.”

Barbosa left before The Journal could interview her. Coogan, who is loosely campaigning with her, said Barbosa had no comment.

He also said the signatures could have been added to his and Barbosa’s papers after they were submitted. He said a request to have copies of his nomination papers immediately after they were time stamped by the office was rejected.

“I’m not taking his boloney,” Callahan said. She said he asked for copies after they were certified. “I run a tight ship around here.”

Later, however, Coogan put the person who collected the questionable signatures for he and Barbosa on the phone with The Journal. Victor Silva, of 12 Elm Ave., said one person wrote all the printed names and addresses down because they are all extended family members. Silva said he then went to everyone’s house and had them sign their name next to what was printed.

Riley said such a check should have occurred before the authority voted to send the allegations to the police. He said a phone call to the 40 or so residents may prove the collector did come to their house or had permission to sign for them.

While referencing voter fraud in East Providence four years ago, which was publicized frequently, Riley asked, “Do we really need to put the city through this again?”

Said O’Gara, “I think [involving the state police] proves to the voters that we are protecting their rights.”

apina@projo.com