PROVIDENCE — The field of candidates vying to represent Providence in the General Assembly has shrunk by nearly a dozen, after several decided not to run, others were knocked off the ballot by the state Board of Elections, and others did not submit the required number of signatures to qualify.

Traditionally, many potential candidates take out nomination papers and the field is slowly culled as Election Day nears. This year was no different.

In Providence, nearly a dozen potential candidates dropped out of sight, according to an unofficial list provided by Board of Canvassers Chairman Laurence K. Flynn. That leaves nearly 40 vying for Providence’s 20 seats in the Assembly. Those remaining have until Thursday to withdraw.

Only one incumbent of the city’s all-Democratic delegation did not submit the required signatures: Rep. Steven Smith in Dist. 13, a 20-year State House veteran and president of the Providence Teachers Union. With Republican challenger Damien Baldino of 192 Ophelia St. currently ruled ineligible because the state Republican party filed his candidacy with the secretary of state’s office rather than the local canvassing board, former Providence police officer John M. Carnevale of 150 Barbara St. is now unopposed. It is possible that the state Supreme Court could still allow Baldino’s candidacy.

Republicans Elaina Goldstein, challenging Democratic Sen. Rhoda Perry in Dist. 3, and Kofua Kulah, challenging Democratic Sen. Paul V. Jabour in Dist. 5, are also counting on the courts to reinstate them.

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Peter Wasylyk in Dist. 6 may avoid a challenge altogether. One Democratic challenger, Neil James Chionchio of 1626 Chalkstone Ave., did not return nomination papers, while another, Dirk Hennessey of 24 Erastus St., had only 48 qualifying signatures, according to Flynn. It is possible that Hennessey could appeal the disqualifications of some signatures in Providence by Thursday, or that signatures from North Providence could push him over the top.

In the city’s northern sections, it seemed that incumbent Sen. Dominick Ruggerio of Senate Dist. 4 was going to face heavy competition, after challengers Democrat Raymond Izzo, of 43 Russo St, and independent Gary Jerejian, of 86 Edgeworth Ave., both took out papers. But neither returned them, and now Ruggerio faces only Republican Christine Spaziano, of 52 Ralston St. The district crosses into North Providence.

Incumbent Democrat John DeSimone also faces an easier path back to representing House Dist. 5, after Democratic challenger Lincoln S. Lennon of 700 River Ave. did not return papers, and Republican Thomas Daly of 549 River Ave. did not submit the required number of signatures. Stan P. Dickenson, of 7 Leo Ave., who ran unsuccessfully for the House in 1994, still remains to face DeSimone in the primary.

In House Dist. 11, Democrat Tania M. Quezada of 55 Atlantic Ave. withdrew her candidacy challenging incumbent Democrat Rep. Grace Diaz, leaving Democrat Laura Perez of 16 Babcock St. and Republican Renay Omisore of 213 Sackett St. as the remaining challengers.

Primary day is Sept. 9. The general election is set for Nov. 4.

dbarbari@projo.com