Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:31 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:10 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Rhode Island allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Rhode Island offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Rhode Island you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Rhode Island
- be at least 16 years of age (you must be 18 years of age to vote on Election Day)
- not be currently incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction
- not have been lawfully judged to be mentally incompetent
How do I vote in person?
Vote on Election Day
Voters in Rhode Island can look up where to vote on the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Rhode Island does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Rhode Island.
Acceptable forms ID include:
- Rhode Island driver's license/permit
- Rhode Island voter ID card
- US passport
- ID issued by a school or college in the US
- US military ID
- ID issued by the US government or State of Rhode Island
- tribal ID
- government-issued medical card
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. The voter has until the close of business the day after the election to provide information to the Board of Canvassers to help qualify their ballot.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Rhode Island’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Rhode Island does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Rhode Island.
Acceptable forms ID include:
- Rhode Island driver's license/permit
- Rhode Island voter ID card
- US passport
- ID issued by a school or college in the US
- US military ID
- ID issued by the US government or State of Rhode Island
- tribal ID
- government-issued medical card
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. The voter has until the close of business the day after the election to provide information to the Board of Canvassers to help qualify their ballot.
How do I vote by mail?
In Rhode Island, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Rhode Island’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Rhode Island allows for same day voter registration for the Presidential Election only. If you miss the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote on Election Day, but you will only be able to vote for President and Vice President. You will not be able to vote in any state, local, or other federal races. You can only register and vote on Election Day at the location designated by your local board of canvassers.
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Recent Elections
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Rhode Island. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Rhode Island's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Rhode Island, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Department of State Elections Division oversees elections and election administration in Rhode Island. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.