Special Election This Summer to Replace Paiva-Weed

NEWPORT, RI—Along with the Folk Festival and the Jazz Festival and all the parties, the calendars in Newport and Jamestown are also filling up with some important political dates and deadlines. According to Tracy Nelson, Newport's canvassing clerk, the Secretary of State's office today provided the date for the Special Election to elect a new District 13 state senator, replacing Sen. M. Teresa Paiva-Weed, who resigned, effective Friday.

The election is set for Aug. 22. If a Primary is needed (and indications are there will be at least one Primary), that will happen on July 18.

But there are other important dates both for candidates and voters, she said.

For example, to participate in the Democratic party primary, voters must register as a Democrat. That can require disaffiliating from a different party.

Deadlines and Important Dates for Voters

The Key Primary Dates

Last Day to Disaffiliate: April 19

Last Day to Register for the Primary: June 18

Last Day to Apply for a mail ballot for the Primary: June 27

Emergency Ballot Voting Period for the Primary: June 28 until July 17 at 4 p.m.

Last Day to Vote with an Emergency Ballot: July 17

Primary Election: July 18

The Key Special Election Dates

Last Day to Register for Special Election: July 23

Last Day to Apply for a mail ballot for the Special Election: Aug. 1

Emergency Ballot Voting Period for the Special Election: Aug. 2 until Aug. 21 at 4 p.m.

Last Day to Vote with an Emergency Ballot in the Special Election: Aug. 21

Special Election: Aug. 22

Deadlines and Important Dates for the Candidates

Deadline for candidates to register to vote to be able to run for office: May 10

Declaration of Candidacy Filing Period with the Board of Canvassers: June 8 & June 9

Filing period for Endorsements by party committees: June 8 through June 12

Deadline to file nomination papers with Board of Canvassers (papers to be filed in city or town where signatures were collected – one city/town per sheet): June 20