Rhode Island's Primary Rescheduled To June 2: Coronavirus

Rhode Island's presidential primary has officially been rescheduled due to the new coronavirus. The election will now be held on June 2 instead of April 28.

Last week, the Rhode Island Board of Elections voted six to one to call for Governor Gina Raimondo to issue an executive order to change the date.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea initially said she was "concerned" about the effect the reschedule would have on later elections. On Monday, she said her office "will work proactively and collaboratively with the Board of Elections and local boards of canvassers to hold a fair and secure election on June 2."

"I applaud Governor Raimondo’s efforts to protect the health of Rhode Island voters and election workers, and I thank her for her leadership during this challenging time," Gorbea said. "A predominantly mail ballot election will ensure that all eligible Rhode Islanders can cast a ballot in a safe and secure manner while protecting the integrity of every vote."

In the coming weeks, all registered voters will receive a mail ballot application in the mail, Gorbea said, along with a postage-paid return envelope.