PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Two voters’ rights groups in Rhode Island have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s vote-by-mail witness and notary requirements, saying the rule unnecessarily puts people’s health at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

The complaint filed Thursday on behalf Common Cause Rhode Island and the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island, and state residents with medical conditions that place them or members of their household at risk of illness or death if they contract COVID-19.

The suit seeks to block provisions of a state law that requires voters who vote by mail to have two witnesses or a notary sign their ballot envelope.