RHODE ISLAND

Election Information

Upcoming Elections

2008 Statewide Primary:  9/9/08

2008 General Election: 11/4/08

Registration Deadlines

30 days before an election

Specific Deadlines:

  • 2008 Statewide Primary: 8/9/2008
  • 2008 General Election: 10/4/08

Where to Obtain Registration Forms

  • Register Online Now 
  • Download registration form
  • City Hall
  • Division of Motor Vehicles
  • Agencies that provide public assistance
  • Armed forces recruiting offices
  • State agencies assisting people with disabilities

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting is allowed if the voter is:

  • Absent from the state
  • A student at a college or university within Rhode Island
  • Ill, or has a disability preventing a trip to the polling place
  • Unable to make it to the polling place due to religious
  • Confined to a nursing home or hospital
  • Confined in jail, but not on conviction of a felony
  • An appointed election officer or poll worker
  • A member of the Armed Forces or a spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed forces
  • A U.S. citizen living overseas who will be at least 18 years of age before the next general election and whose last residence prior to going overseas was in RI.

Rules and Deadlines

Absentee ballots can be found with the Local Board of Canvassers and must be requested by the 21st day before an election. Ballots must be returned to the Local Board of Canvassers.  Some voters may be eligible to apply for an emergency (absentee) ballot--the deadline for these applications are 4 p.m. the day before the election.

Early Voting

No

Identification Requirements

At registration:

  • Current and valid photo identification or
  • A current utility bill,
  • Bank statement,
  • Government check,
  • Paycheck
  • Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector

At Polls, voter will be required to show ID:

  • If voting for the first time in RI,
  • If registered to vote by mail on or after January 1, 2003; and
  • If not previously met the identification requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Current and valid photo identification or
  • A current utility bill,
  • Bank statement,
  • Government check,
  • Paycheck
  • Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector

How to check registration

Check online

How to locate polling place

Check online

Information for felons

Voter is eligible upon completion of sentence, including probation or parole.


For more information, go to the Secretary of State’s website or to Rhode Island Board of Elections.