Voting In Rhode Island: Polls Open

RHODE ISLAND — Tuesday is Election Day in Rhode Island and across the country. Voters who did not cast their ballots early in person or by mail can cast their ballot at their polling place during the day. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a surge in mail-in ballots, the results of the presidential and local elections are not expected on Tuesday, and could take days or weeks to determine.

Polls are open in Rhode Island from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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.

Voters who requested a mail ballots but have not yet returned it must do so by 8 p.m. on Tuesday to have it counted. Mail ballots can be dropped into a secure election drop box, located across the state.

Find a list of dropboxes here.

When voting at the polls on Tuesday, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind for a safe voting experience.

• 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.