This election, the voters of Rhode Island will be deciding on several key local and state offices, and weighing in on decisions about state spending on education, arts and culture, and more. And after months of campaigning that have seen two assassinations attempts and a stunning change in Democratic candidate, voters will be deciding between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Here is your guide to when and how to vote in this coming general election.
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How to register to vote:
The voter registration deadline has passed. Rhode Island allows for same-day, in person voter registration – but you will only be able to vote for president and vice president.
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 and filling out this form and mailing it to your local board of canvassers. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by Oct. 6.
In person: You can register to vote in person by filling out this form and presenting it to your local board of canvassers. That form can also be used to update your voter record, such as changing your mailing address or political affiliation.
Registered to vote? Go here to update your voter record, including changing your mailing address or political affiliation.
How do I vote in person?
Early voting: Early voting begins on Oct. 16 and ends Nov. 4. Early voting locations can be found online at vote.ri.gov or by contacting your local board of canvassers. Be sure to bring a photo ID.
On Election Day: You can vote in person at your local polling place on Nov. 5. 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 entitled to cast your vote if you are in line at your nearest polling location by 8 p.m. Be sure to bring an acceptable form of photo ID.
How do I vote by mail?
You can register online for a mail ballot by Oct. 15. You must already be registered to vote in order to vote by mail.
Mail ballots must be submitted to the State Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 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 drop off your mail ballot in-person at any of several drop boxes across the state by 8.p.m. on Election Day. Click here for more information on voting by mail.
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. Voting materials must also be made available in both English and Spanish.
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.
Who and what is on the ballot?
Click here to preview a sample ballot. You can go to ballotready.org to research the candidates and make a voting plan. The state Voter Information Handbook – which you may have received in the mail – gives a guide to the five referenda that will appear on this year’s ballot.
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.
Coverage of the 2024 elections on The Public’s Radio is sponsored in part by Ascent Audiology & Hearing, Providence Picture Frame and Rustigian Rugs.
