RI Voters Encouraged To Bring Mail Ballots To Drop Boxes

Exactly one week before Election Day, Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea is encouraging voters who have not yet returned their mail ballot to do so by hand, rather than by mail. To be counted, mail ballots must be received by the state's Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

"Rhode Island could see record turnout in this election," Gorbea said. "Don’t miss out on being part of history because you returned your ballot too late. Using a secure drop box will ensure that your mail ballot is received in time to be counted."

The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing ballots at least seven days before the election to ensure it arrives on time. For that reason, ballots should be dropped in a secure drop box, going forward. Find the nearest drop box using the Secretary's online finder tool.

Drop boxes are secure, and under surveillance constantly. They are emptied each day by the local boards of canvassers and taken to the Board of Elections for processing. Voters can use the online mail ballot tracker to see the status of their ballot.