Politics & Government
Election 2020: Rhode Island Primary Voting Guide
Everything you need to know about early voting, mail-in voting and in-person voting for the Rhode Island state primary on Sept. 8.
Rhode Island's state primary is Tuesday, but the election will be much different this year thanks to the coronavirus. This year voters have the option of voting in-person on Election Day or doing early voting and mail-in voting.
The last day to register to vote for the primary was Aug. 9. You can check your voting status on the Secretary of State's website, where you can also find your polling place. If you missed the deadline to register to vote, you can register to vote in the November general election and other upcoming elections online.
Mail-In Voting
Mail-in voting applications for the Sept. 8 primary were due Aug. 18. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea recommended mailing ballots back by Sept. 2 to ensure timely delivery. If you still haven't returned your ballot, there's still some options. Signed, sealed ballots can be dropped into secure boxes around the state. Find the dropbox nearest to you here.
Find out what's happening in Across Rhode Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read more: Vote By Mail In RI: What To Know
Mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Check the status of your ballot here.
Early Voting
Those who did not request a mail ballot, but cannot vote at their polling place on primary day can do so in advance at their local Board of Canvassers. For this election, early voting began Aug. 19 and is available until Tuesday at 4 p.m. For the general election in November, early voting will run from Oct. 14 to Nov. 2.
Find out what's happening in Across Rhode Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find your local Board of Canvassers here.
In-Person Voting
Rhode Island voters must present a valid photo ID at their polling place. Those without a valid ID can still vote, by requesting a provisional ballot. In most communities, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who is in line at their polling place by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
In-person voters are asked to wear a mask and maintain social distancing while at the polls to protect fellow voters and poll workers.
Find your polling place on the Secretary of State's website.
Patch editor Alex Newman contributed to this report.
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