Here is the where, when, and how of voting in the Ocean State in 2024! The most important dates to know: The primary election is on Tuesday, September 10th, and the general election is on Tuesday, November 5th. Rhode Islanders also have lots of options to cast their ballot early, both in person and by mail. Read on to learn how to be a voter! And remember, if you have any questions about voting in Rhode Island, visit our state's official Voter Information Center.
Registering to Vote
The first step of being a voter is registering to vote. Take a moment and double check that your registration is up to date! The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is August 11th, and the deadline to register to vote in the general election is October 6th. Not registered? No problem! Register now! Fun fact! In Rhode Island, you have to be 18 years old to vote, but only 16 years old to register. Why wait?
Once you are sure you are registered, make a voting plan! There are a few ways to vote in Rhode Island. We lay them all out here.
Voting by Mail
You DO NOT NEED AN EXCUSE to vote by mail. You simply need to request a mail ballot.
Request a mail ballot using this online portal. You must submit your online request for a primary mail ballot by August 20th or a general election mail ballot by October 15th.
Your mail ballot will be mailed to you. Once you have your mail ballot in hand, carefully follow the directions to fill it out. Don’t forget your signature!
To return your mail ballot:
You can drop it (in the sealed envelope) in a secure drop box.
You can mail your ballot, but you should make sure to allow time for it to be delivered by Election Day.
Learn more about how to return your mail ballot here.
**Your mail ballot must be received by the Board of Elections by 8pm on Election Day.**
Early In-Person Voting
In Rhode Island, you can vote early in-person in the 20 days before Election Day. Bring a valid photo ID to your designated early voting location during the early voting hours listed. It’s very similar to voting at your regular polling place on Election Day. Why wait? Go vote!
In-Person Voting on Election Day
Of course, there is always the classic way to vote: in person on Election Day! Grab your valid photo ID, and head over to your polling place on Election Day before the polls close. Voters who do not bring ID to the polls can vote using a standard provisional ballot, which will be counted if your eligibility is verified.
There you have it, Rhode Islanders. Whether you mark your mail ballot on the beach, head downtown to vote early in person, bring your kids with you to a secure drop box, or show up on Election Day, make a plan to vote and #BeAVoter.
