On Sept. 10, Rhode Island voters will be narrowing down the list of candidates for state and federal office who will ultimately appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. Here’s what you need to know to vote in the Rhode Island primary election.
Haga clic aquí para leer en Español.
Important dates:
Primary Election Day: Sept. 10
Early voting and emergency mail ballot period: Aug. 21-Sept. 9
Deadline to submit mail ballot applications: Aug. 20 by 4 p.m.
Deadline to receive military and overseas mail ballots: Sept. 13 by 4 p.m.
How do I register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote in the primary election has passed as of Aug. 11, but you can still register to vote in advance of the Nov. 5 general election. Here’s how.
Online: You can register to vote online using a state-issued ID or driver’s license.
By mail: You can register to vote via mail by downloading this form and mailing it to your local board of canvassers.
In person: If you want to register in person, you can fill out this form and present it to your local board of canvassers.
When and where can I vote on Election Day?
On Election Day, you can vote in person at your local polling place. All polling places open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. (with the exception of New Shoreham, which opens at 9 a.m.). You are allowed to cast your vote if you are in line at your nearest polling location by 8 p.m.
Can I vote in either party’s primary?
Rhode Island currently recognizes only two political parties: Democratic and Republican. Each has a separate ballot with the only respective candidates for that party being listed. If you are affiliated with a party, you may only vote in that party’s primary. If you’re an independent or an unaffiliated voter, you can vote in any party’s primary – but you will become affiliated with the party you choose to vote for. If you want to return to unaffiliated status, you can update your voter record either by requesting a disaffiliation form from poll workers before leaving the polling place, or by updating your voter record online.
How do I vote by mail?
The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. Mail ballots must be submitted to the State Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you’re mailing it, it’s recommended to send it to the Rhode Island Board of Elections (P.O. Box 6128, Providence, RI 02940) at least seven days before Election Day to ensure that it’s received in time. You can also hand deliver your mail ballot to one of several drop boxes around the state.
What if I need help voting?
Federal law requires every state to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including providing accessible parking, entrances and ramps, as well as accessible ballots for people with visual impairment or print disabilities.
Federal law also requires that all voting material be made available in both Spanish and English. Haga clic aquí para más información en Español.
If you are non-English speaking and there is not a ballot available in your language of preference, you may bring a person of your choosing with you to assist in translation after filling out a sworn statement.
Rhode Islanders who are experiencing homelessness are eligible to vote, and can register to vote or request a mail ballot by contacting the Elections Division at 401-222-2340.
How do I find out more information about the candidates?
Click here to preview a sample ballot, check your voting status, update your voter information, track your mail ballot status, and find your polling place. Go to ballotready.org to research the candidates and make a plan to vote.
Go to vote.ri.gov for more information on voting and elections in Rhode Island. You can find more of our reporting on the 2024 elections at thepublicsradio.org/2024elections.
TELL US: What questions do you have about voting and elections in Rhode Island?
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Publish date : 2024-08-15 21:00:00
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