Rhode Island Voting Guide
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Kristine Tungol Cabagnot, Esq. | Last reviewed April 25, 2024
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Welcome to FindLaw's Rhode Island Voter Guide. We'll answer your questions about voting in the next election, voter registration, voter eligibility, registration deadlines, mail-in and in-person voting, special accommodations for disabled Rhode Island voters, and what you can do if you see illegal activity at the polls.
The voting process can be confusing, and the rules vary by state. Learn the general election information you'll need in our Rhode Island Voting Guide.
Am I 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. You can only vote once 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 restore your voting rights. You must re-register to vote.
- The Rhode Island courts have deemed you mentally incompetent
You can check your voting status at Rhode Island's election website.
How To Register in Rhode Island
There are several ways to register to vote in Rhode Island. This includes registering:
In Person
Rhode Island allows voters to register to vote on Election Day, but only for presidential elections. Download and complete the voter registration form and return it to your local board of canvassers.
At the DMV
You can register as a voter through automatic voter registration when applying for or renewing a driver's license, permit, etc.
By Mail
You can register by filling out a voter registration form and mailing it to your local board of canvassers.
Rhode Island Voting Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.