Charlestown Voters Have a Local Primary to Consider on September 9. Here's What to Know

Charlestown voters will head to the polls on Wednesday, September 9, for Rhode Island's 2026 statewide primary, with a local State House race among the contests facing some voters.

For Charlestown residents, the most prominent local contest is the Democratic primary for Rhode Island House District 36, where incumbent Rep. Tina Spears is facing Charlestown resident Leah Boisclair.

House District 36 includes all of Charlestown and Block Island, along with portions of Westerly and South Kingstown. No Republican candidate filed for the House District 36 seat, meaning the September Democratic primary will determine the party's nominee for the November general election.

There are also statewide party primaries on September 9, including contests for offices such as governor and lieutenant governor. What appears on an individual voter's ballot depends on party affiliation and the races being contested. The Rhode Island Secretary of State's Voter Information Center allows residents to view their specific sample ballot before voting.

Why the ballot may look different from one voter to another

Rhode Island operates semi-closed primaries. Voters registered with a political party vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated voters can choose which party's primary ballot they want to vote in.

That means two Charlestown residents standing next to each other at the polls could receive different ballots depending on their registration status.

The state also requires voters who wish to change party affiliation before a primary to do so at least 30 days before Election Day. That deadline has already passed for the September 9 primary.

Mail ballot deadline has passed

For voters who had planned to request a regular mail ballot, the deadline was August 19.

That deadline has now passed. However, voters who already received a mail ballot can still return it. The Rhode Island Board of Elections must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m. on September 9. Voters can also use an authorized drop box, including the one at Charlestown Town Hall.

There is also an emergency ballot option for voters who are unable to vote at the polls. Emergency mail ballot applications are available through local boards of canvassers until 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, the day before the election.

Early voting is still available

Charlestown residents do not necessarily have to wait until September 9 to vote.

Early in-person voting is available during the 20 days leading up to Election Day. In Charlestown, the early voting location is:

Charlestown Town Hall
4540 South County Trail
Charlestown, RI 02813

Voters participating in early voting should bring an acceptable photo ID. Ballots cast during the early voting period are securely held and are not tabulated until polls close on Election Day.

Residents should check the Rhode Island Voter Information Center for the current early voting schedule before heading to Town Hall.

What voters should do before heading out

The Rhode Island Secretary of State's Voter Information Center provides several useful tools for voters, including the ability to:

• Check voter registration status
• Find a polling place
• View a personalized sample ballot
• Check mail ballot status
• Find early voting information
• Review declared candidates

For Charlestown voters, checking the sample ballot ahead of time may be particularly useful because the races appearing on the ballot can depend on party affiliation.

The September primary is an important step toward the November 3 general election, when Rhode Islanders will vote in the general election for state and federal offices.

For voters who have not yet made a plan to participate, there are still options available. Early voting remains available, voters with existing mail ballots can return them, and eligible voters can seek an emergency ballot if necessary.

For official voter information, residents can visit the Rhode Island Secretary of State's Voter Information Center