No Across-The-Board Mail Ballot Applications For Sept. 8 Primary

PROVIDENCE, RI — With primary elections fast approaching, Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea said voters will receive postcards in the mail explaining what options are available to safely vote amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Rhode Island voters deserve a clear answer on this issue; my office will not be sending mail ballot applications to all voters for the September 8 primary," Gorbea said. "The lack of timely and unified action on this issue, as well as Rhode Island’s burdensome requirement for voters to have two witnesses or a notary to vote by mail, mean there would be an enormous and unacceptable risk of unintentionally disenfranchising voters."

All registered voters with a primary on Sept. 8 will receive a postcard in the mail explaining three options for casting their ballot, as well as the phone number for the local boards of canvassers. The office will provide applications and postage to boards of canvassers for voters who request them, and is working to make applications available at community business partners.

"I am evaluating next steps for the Nov. 3 general election with state and local election officials to find ways to ensure voters have safe and healthy voting options this year," Gorbea continued.