You might be gearing up to vote in November, but in Rhode Island, where 40% of registered voters are Democrats and just 14% are Republicans, the primary elections are often decisive. And if you want to participate, the deadline to register to vote in this year’s primaries is coming up — it’s Sunday, Aug. 14. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s primary elections:
When is Primary Election Day?
Rhode Island’s statewide primary election is on Sept. 13, 2022. The deadline to register to vote in this year’s primaries is Sunday, Aug. 14.
Who is on the ballot?
Voters will pick candidates for the statewide elected offices: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer, and members of the state Senate and state House. The primary elections will also decide candidates for the two U.S. House seats in Rhode Island. Voters will also vote on a number of municipal positions, including the race for mayor of Providence.
The Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office has a searchable list of candidates for office, including your local municipal candidates, on its website.
Can I vote in either party’s primary?
If you’re registered with a party, you can only vote in that party’s primary. The 46% of Rhode Island voters unaffiliated with a party can vote in any party primary. But by voting in that primary, you automatically become affiliated with that party, according to the secretary of state. (You can return to unaffiliated status 30 days after filling out some paperwork.)
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote online, by mail or in person.
Online: Visit the Voter Information Center on the secretary of state’s website. You’ll need your Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID.
By mail: Download the voter registration form from the secretary of state’s website, fill it out and mail it to your local board of canvassers. Click here to find more information about your local board of canvassers.
In person: Download the voter registration form from the secretary of state’s website, fill it out and bring it to your local board of canvassers. Many of these local locations will also be able to provide you with the form. Click here to find more information about your local board of canvassers.
Remember: Rhode Island allows for same day voter registration for the presidential election only. There is no presidential election this year, so if you miss the deadline you’re out of luck.
You may already be registered to vote if you’ve interacted with the state Division of Motor Vehicles, unless you opted out. You can check your registration status here.
Can I vote by mail?
Yes. A new law allows any Rhode Island voter to use a mail ballot without needing to provide a reason. But there are two deadlines you need to know.
- The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is 4 p.m. on Aug. 23.
- If you’d like to fill out an online application for a mail ballot – because, say, you don’t have access to a printer – you must fill out the online mail ballot application by Aug. 15. The state Elections Division will then send you the application, which you must sign and return to your local board of canvassers by 4 p.m. on Aug. 23.
The secretary of state’s office says it’s partnering with 70 public libraries to have printed mail ballot applications available. You can download and print the mail ballot application yourself. You can visit your local city or town hall to fill out a mail ballot application there. Regardless, you must return the mail ballot application by 4 p.m. on Aug. 23.
Find more information and start the process on the secretary of state’s website.
Once you receive your ballot, you’ll need to mail it to the state board of elections. (Pre-paid postage will be provided.) The board of elections must receive your mail ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day, so be sure to send it in early.
Can I vote in person before Primary Election Day?
You can vote in person in the 20 days leading up to Election Day. For the primary, early in-person voting starts Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Your city or town designates an early voting location — often at the office of the local board of canvassers. Find your local early voting location here.
When is the deadline to register for the general election?
The general election is coming up on Nov. 8. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9.
This story was updated on Aug. 15 with additional information about the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot. The deadline to apply online for a mail-in ballot is Aug. 15. The overall deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Aug. 23.
