Rhode Island Voting Guide

The voting process can be confusing, and the rules vary by state. It’s important that you understand your voting rights in Rhode Island now, so you’re prepared to participate in the next election.

In this guide, we’ll answer common questions about voter registration, voter eligibility, and early voting laws in the State of Rhode Island. We will also explain when you should report suspicious activity to your local elections office.

Who Is Eligible To Vote in Rhode Island?

To be eligible to vote in Rhode Island, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• A resident of Rhode Island
• At least 18 years old on Election Day

You can register to vote in Rhode Island once you turn 16. However, you cannot vote until you turn 18.

You lose your voter eligibility in the following situations:

• You have a felony conviction and are serving a sentence in prison. Once you complete your sentence, election officials will automatically restore your voting rights. You must re-register to vote. You retain the right to vote while on probation, parole, or home confinement in Rhode Island.
• The Rhode Island courts have deemed you mentally incompetent

You can check your voting status at Rhode Island‘s election website.

When Is Rhode Island‘s Voter Registration Deadline?

Rhode Island does not have a specific voter registration deadline for presidential elections. For presidential elections, eligible voters may register and vote on Election Day at their local board of canvassers.

Same-day registration is available only for presidential elections, not for the following:

• Primary elections
• Presidential elections
• Local elections
• General elections

If you need additional election information, you can always reach out to the Rhode Island Department of State‘s Secretary of State.

Requesting a Mail Ballot or Absentee Ballot in Rhode Island

To receive an absentee/mail ballot, you must complete and submit a mail ballot application form. You can download this form online, pick one up at your local board of canvassers, or contact your local State Board of Elections and ask them to send an application to you.

Once you fill out the mail ballot application form, submit it to your local board of canvassers. You must submit your form before 4:00 pm on the 21st day before the election date.

Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot/absentee ballot. You do not need to provide a reason or excuse for why you need to vote by mail. You also don’t need to obtain a witness statement.

What Do I Need To Do with My Mail Ballot?

There are certain steps you must take if you want to ensure election officials receive and process your mail-in ballot.

These steps include the following:

• Completely fill in your absentee ballot
• Sign the “Voter Declaration” on the envelope
• Return your completed mail ballot by mail or place it in a local drop box

You do not need a witness’s signature anymore.

How Do I Vote in Rhode Island?

There are multiple ways to cast your ballot in Rhode Island. The method you choose will depend on your specific circumstances.

Rhode Island law allows citizens to vote in the following manner:

• In-person at the polls on Election Day
• Early in-person voting
• Mail-in ballot/absentee ballot

If you have a disability and plan to vote in-person, remember that you have certain rights. For example, you can bring someone with you to the polls for assistance.

What Do I Need To Bring to the Polls in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law requires that you show valid personal identification when checking in at your polling place.

Some forms of valid photo ID include:

• A Rhode Island driver’s license/permit
• U.S. passport
• Voter ID card
• Student ID from a legitimate educational institution
• U.S. Military ID

If you plan to vote in an upcoming election, make sure you have a valid ID. When you arrive at your voting location, you must show your ID to a poll worker. You may have trouble casting your ballot without an ID.

If you’ve forgotten your ID or don’t have one at the polls, you can still cast a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted if the provisional ballot is approved.

Your Voting Rights in the State of Rhode Island

As a registered voter in Rhode Island, you enjoy certain rights. These rights arise out of both the U.S. and State Constitutions and Rhode Island‘s voting laws.

At a minimum, residents of Rhode Island enjoy the following voting rights:

• The right to vote free from interference or coercion
• The right to vote in private
• The right to a provisional ballot
• The right to request a sample ballot
• The right to wait in line after the polling place closes
• The right to sit in a chair rather than waiting in a long line at the polling location
• The right to request curbside voting
• The right to bring someone with them to the polling place to assist them in the voting process
• The right to accessible voting machines and equipment
• The right to abstain from voting

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Visit FindLaw’s article on ” Voting Rights” to learn more about your rights under state and federal law.

If anyone violates these rights, you may have a valid legal claim. The best thing to do is meet with a Rhode Island civil rights attorney to find out what your options are.

Accommodations for Voters With Disabilities

In addition to mail ballots, voters with disabilities who wish to vote in person have accommodations at their local polling place. Every polling place has an ExpressVote voting machine with multiple features that help voters with disabilities cast their ballots.

For additional information on the ExpressVote machines and voter accessibility, visit the Rhode Island Elections website.

What To Do If You See Illegal Behavior at the Polls

Strict rules apply at polling locations. Generally, election officials expect voters to mind their own business, cast their vote, and leave. If you do something that interferes with another person’s voting rights, you will face serious consequences, both practical and legal.

Polling place workers also expect and encourage voters to report any suspicious or illegal activity they observe or encounter while at the polling place.

State and federal law prohibits:

• Harassment or bullying outside or inside the polling place
• Intimidation or coercion
• Voter fraud
• Ballot tampering
• Distributing political clothing, campaign materials, etc.

You may feel uncomfortable confronting someone engaging in this type of activity, and you should not do so. Never attempt to engage with someone behaving this way. Instead, immediately notify a poll worker or supervisor so they can investigate the matter.

You should also contact the Rhode Island Board of Elections if you witness illegal activity at the polls or if someone violates your voting rights. You may also want to consider contacting a legal professional who specializes in voting law.

Contact a Rhode Island Civil Rights Attorney

If you believe someone has violated your rights while at the polling place, contact an experienced Rhode Island civil rights attorney. Not only do you have a right to cast your ballot in private, but you also have the right to cast an early mail or absentee ballot.

A skilled attorney can also help if you encounter illegal activity while at a polling location. This includes anything from outright bullying to observing someone forcing another person to vote a certain way.