RI Voter Deadlines Moved Following Coronavirus Reschedule

PROVIDENCE, RI — With Rhode Island's presidential primary officially postponed to June 2, deadlines for voters have been shifted, as well. Governor Gina Raimondo issued an executive order to change the date from April 28 at the recommendation of the Rhode Island Board of Electionsdue to concerns about the new coronavirus.

"To ensure that all Rhode Islanders can cast a ballot in a safe and secure manner, the Presidential Preference Primary will be a predominantly mail ballot election," Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea said. "In the coming weeks, my office will send all registered Rhode Island voters a mail ballot application."

Based on the original April date, voters had to register to vote by Sunday and disaffiliate from a party by Monday. Voters now have until May 3 to register and May 4 to disaffiliate.

Related: RI Secretary Of State 'Concerned' About Rescheduling Primary

Anyone who is affiliated with a party can only vote in that party's primary, while disaffiliated voters may choose either the Democratic or Republican primary. Prior to the new deadlines, voters are encouraged to check the secretary of state's website to verify their information and ensure their mail ballot application is sent to the proper address. Those who cannot find their information on the website can call the Elections Division at 401-222-2340.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Latest Headlines

• Coronavirus In RI: Anyone Coming From NY Ordered to Quarantine
• Remote RI General Assembly Sessions 'A Last Resort': Coronavirus
• RI Coronavirus: How Well Nursing Homes Control Infection
• Coronavirus Social Distancing Scoreboard: How RI Is Doing
• Federal Stimulus Package: How Much RI Residents Are Getting
• Rhode Island's Coronavirus Cases By The Numbers
• Coronavirus In RI: New Regulations To Limit Grocery Store Crowds
• Ocean State Job Lot To Donate $250k For Coronavirus Supplies
• 2020 Quonset Air Show Canceled Over Coronavirus Concerns
• BJ's, Stop & Shop Raise Wages For Workers: Coronavirus In RI