Early Voting In Rhode Island Starts Oct. 14: What To Know

PROVIDENCE, RI — Tuesday marked the last day to request a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 general election in Rhode Island. Voters who did not get their applications in on time but want to cast their ballot before Election Day still have one option: early in-person voting.

Early voting is a new option in Rhode Island and is available from Wednesday until Nov. 2. To do so, voters can go to their local board of canvassers at their city or town hall. Voters are asked to bring a valid photo ID to receive their ballot. Those without an ID will be issued an emergency ballot.

The ballot will be filled out on-site and submitted into a ballot machine, the same as if it was on Election Day.

More information about early voting and in-person voting on Election Day is available on the Secretary of State's elections website.

Related: Voting By Mail In RI: What To Know For Nov. 3

Attorney General Peter Neronha and Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea created a voter guide for Rhode Islanders, to make sure everyone knows their rights.

"There is no right more fundamental and critical to our democracy than the right to vote," Neronha said. "That right is personal to you — who you vote for is your choice. You have the right to make that choice safely and free from intimidation."

The guide, which is available online, outlines the rights voters have under the law, which include:

• The right to vote without pressure or intimidation
• The right to vote in person before Election Day
• The right to vote in person at your designated polling place on Election Day
• The right to vote by mail
• The right to submit your mail ballot without the signature of witnesses or a notary
• The right to bring one of many different photo IDs to identify yourself at your polling place
• The right to request a provisional ballot
• The right to register to vote on Election Day
• The right to vote as soon as you are released from prison or while charges against you are pending
• The right to bring someone with you to the polls if you require assistance
• The right to fix your mail ballot or mail ballot application if it is rejected
• The right to accessible voting if you have a disability

"My message to all Rhode Islanders this election year is simple," Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea said. "You matter. Your voice matters. Make it heard by casting your ballot. And if anyone tries to take that constitutional right away from you, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State are on your side."

Voters can report violations of these rights on the attorney general's website, or by calling the voter information hotline, 211, and dialing 9.