Early &
Mail-in Voting
in Rhode Island

Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Rhode Island.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Request Your Mail-in BallotEarly VotingChange State

Vote Before Election Day

Vote Early In Person
08/16/2023
Early Voting Begins
09/04/2023
Early Voting Ends

Vote By Mail Deadlines

08/15/2023
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
09/05/2023
Deadline to Return Ballot (Received By)

In-Person Absentee Voting

You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 08/16/2023 and ends on 09/04/2023

You can vote in-person absentee in your state.

You may vote early until 4 p.m. the day before Election Day. Contact your local board of canvassers for exact locations and times.

How Vote By Mail Works in Rhode Island

Voting by mail is a two step process in Rhode Island. Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. You must apply directly to your local board of canvassers. The deadline for your application to be received is August 15th. Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

  • Return in person to your local board of canvassers, the State Board of Elections or a designated dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Or return your ballot by mail - your ballot must be returned so that it is received by Election Day. We recommend mailing your ballot at least two weeks before as the post office is not always reliable. The best intentions or postmark will not matter if your ballot is received after Election Day - your ballot will not count.
Emergency mail-in ballot requests may be made after the application deadline, but require an event that was unknown or prevented the voter from applying earlier. Contact your local board of canvassers for more info.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

You may vote by mail for any reason

You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.

Remember to Sign Your Return Ballot

After you complete your ballot, be sure to sign the voter's certification envelope.

Use The Right Form of ID

You need a valid photo ID to vote in person. Info here on what qualifies. If you are voting by mail, no ID needs to be submitted with the ballot, but the signature must match the signature on the voter registration form. Signature match is used to verify identity.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

Your postage is prepaid.

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Drop box

Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted.  

Haven't used your ballot?

If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return, you may go to your board of canvassers and vote in person. You will be asked to use a provisional ballot. This is better than not voting, but may not be counted.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in Rhode Island

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for Rhode Island First Time Voter Info