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Find out where to vote, how to vote, how to vote early, and how to vote by mail.
Register to vote in Rhode Island, or learn more about voter ID & rights.
Visit the Rhode Island Election Website or call (401) 222-2345 to learn more about your states voting details.
Have more questions about voting?
The voter registration deadline for Rhode Island’s state primary election is Aug. 9th. If you would prefer to vote by mail, your request must be received by Aug. 18th at 4pm. We recommend getting your application in as soon as possible.
Vote-by-mail systems are different in every state. It is critical that you follow directions and pay attention to the details, or your ballot could be challenged or even tossed.
The signature on your ballot must match your DMV signature, or signature that is on file with your voter registration if you do not have a state-issued ID. If your signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed.
Here are some important things to know about voting by mail in Rhode Island:
When you return your ballot, postage is prepaid. You do not need to add stamps.
Your state has a "received by" deadline of Tuesday, August 18th. The post office suggests that ballots are mailed at least two weeks prior to make the "received by" deadline. Don't wait! You may also return your ballot via a delivery service, like FedEx or UPS, to ensure delivery date.
Your state gives you the opportunity to "cure" any challenge to your ballot. This means if there is something wrong with the signature on your ballot, the state is required to contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot. Your clerk will provide step-by-step instructions for curing your ballot. Be sure to check your mail and messages (phone and email) for incoming communication from your election's office to have the opportunity to cure. You will be contacted if there is a challenge to your ballot. You must "cure" the challenge by Tuesday, November 10th, seven days after the election. Get your ballot in early so that you have a chance to address any challenges.
Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. Click here to access.
Voters that have been unaffiliated for at least 90 days may vote in either primary. Their selection serves to affiliate them with the party. Otherwise, voters may only participate in the primary of the party with which they are affiliated. See Rhode Island Republican Party or Democratic Party sites for more details.
Some congressional seats, state offices and constitutional amendments may be included on the ballot.
Early Voting Dates: Aug. 19th to Sept. 8th
To vote absentee by-mail without an excuse, first you’ll need to apply for an absentee ballot no later than Aug. 18th at 4:00 p.m. Then, when you complete your absentee ballot, it must be received by 8:00 pm on September 8th.
If you miss the Aug. 18th deadline, and you are unable to vote on election day due to an emergency, you may submit an in-person application and absentee ballot at your local Board of Canvassers. Excuse required. More info here.
Due to COVID-19, the witness signature requirement is eliminated for absentee voting in Rhode Island in 2020.
The absentee ballot application period opens Jan.1st. You must submit an application for an absentee ballot by-mail for each election.