Election 2020: Cranston Voter Guide

CRANSTON, RI — Voting is already well underway for the Nov. 3 general election in Rhode Island, both through mail ballots and early, in-person voting.

In addition to the presidential and congressional races, there are several key races at the state and local level, as well as one statewide ballot question. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, voting, like so much else, looks a lot different this year, and final results are not expected until at least a few days after the election.

The deadline to register to vote and request a mail ballot have passed in Rhode Island. To check your voting status, visit the Secretary of State's elections website. There, voters can also find their polling place, or check the status of their mail ballot.

There are 10 local ballot questions in Cranston, listed below.

• Question two: $147 million bond for school facilities, as part of the statewide school bill passed by the General Assembly.
• Question three: $2 million bond to repair and replace the city's fire and public safety equipment.
• Question four: $1 million bond for construction and improvements to city facilities.
• Question five: $2 million bond for repairs and improvements to city playgrounds.
• Question six: $10 million bond for improvements to streets, sidewalks and other road-related repairs.
• Question seven: $5 million for renewable energy and energy conservation projects.
• Question eight: Amendment to the city charter to prohibit gerrymandering of districts and "protect the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods in the redistricting process."
• Question nine: Amendment to the city charter to allow the mayor to use a line item veto in the annual budget.
• Question 10: Amendment to the city charter that would require the city to maintain a "rainy day fund" of at least five percent of the annual operating budget, to be used in emergencies.
• Question 11: Amendment to the city charter that would cap annual increases to property taxes to no more than three percent.

Mail ballots

Requests for mail ballots had to be submitted by Oct. 13. Voters who requested a mail ballot must complete and return it by 8 p.m. on election night. There are several options to return signed, sealed absentee ballots: by mail or delivered by hand to a secure election drop box or the voter's local Board of Canvassers. Voters can check the status of their mail ballot online, on the Secretary of State's website.

Find a list of dropboxes here.

Early in-person voting

Early, in-person voting is offered from Oct. 14 to Nov. 2. Voters can cast their ballot weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. Use the side entrance next to Cranston East High School, which leads directly to the canvassing department on the first floor. More information is available on the city's website.

Here are a few things to remember.

• Bring a valid photo ID. Voters who do not have an acceptable form of ID will be given a provisional ballot.
• Wear a fabric face covering. The Rhode Island Department of Health is asking Rhode Islanders to make mask wearing "the norm" to cut down on the transmission of coronavirus in the state.
• Don't touch your face while at the polling location.
• Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after voting.
• Bring a pen, such as a blue or black ink sharpie or Paper Mate Flair, if you do not want to borrow one.

Voting in RI: Read more

• Early Voting In Rhode Island Starts Oct. 14: What To Know
• Vote By Mail In RI: What To Know