For the audio version of this story, linked above, you can listen to Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez’s conversation with Rob Rock, Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State.
On April 2, voters in Rhode Island will decide on the presidential candidates for the November general election, as well as the Democratic and Republican delegates that will go to each party’s national convention over the summer. Here’s what you need to know to vote in the Rhode Island presidential preference primary.
Important dates:
- Presidential preference primary election day: Tuesday, April 2
- Early voting: March 13 – April 1
- Deadline to submit mail ballot: April 2 by 8 p.m.
- Emergency mail ballot application period: March 13 – April 1
How do I register to vote?
Deadlines to register to vote and to apply for a mail ballot have passed. If you aren’t registered, here are a few ways to do so in advance of the September state primary.
Online: You can register to vote online using your driver’s license or state ID.
By mail: You can register to vote by mail by downloading this form and mailing it to your local board of canvassers.
In person: You can register to vote by mail by downloading this form and bringing it to your local board of canvassers. And if you’re eligible, unless you opt out, you’re automatically registered to vote when filling out forms at the Division of Motor Vehicles.
When and where can I vote on Election Day?
On Election Day, you can vote at your local polling place. Polling places open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. statewide, with the exception of New Shoreham, which opens at 12 p.m. You are entitled to cast your vote so long as you are in line by 8 p.m.
How do I vote in person before Election Day?
You can vote early in person now through April 1. You can find your municipality’s early voting schedule and locations here.
How do I vote by mail?
The deadline to apply for a mail ballot has passed, but some eligible voters can still apply for an emergency mail ballot. Mail ballots must be submitted to the State Board of Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. If you’re sending it by mail, it’s recommended to send it to the Rhode Island Board of Elections, P.O.Box 6128, Providence, RI 02940 a full week prior to 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.
Can I vote in either party’s primary?
Rhode Island recognizes two political parties: Democratic and Republican. Each has a separate ballot, including only the candidates running for that party’s nomination. If you are affiliated with a party, you may only vote in that party’s primary. If you’re an independent or unaffiliated voter, you can vote in any party’s primary – but you will become affiliated with that party when you do so. 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.
What if I need help voting?
The state is required to provide special accommodations for anyone who needs assistance with voting, including accessible parking, entrances and ramps, language assistance, and more. Voters may bring someone to the polls to help them throughout the voting process. Click here for full details on accessibility options for voting by mail or in person.
Go to vote.ri.gov to check your voter status, view a sample ballot, and see voting hours and locations in your city or town.