Don't Forget to Get Out And Vote Today!

The Ocean State might not have seen a wave of TV ads as witnessed in South Carolina months ago, but yes, Rhode Islanders, there's an election this Tuesday. 

Residents will head to the polls this Tuesday, April 24, for the Presidential Primary. A sample ballot can be seen at right. 

When do polls open? 

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., an hour earlier than previous elections. 

Election officials expect a very low voter turnout for the primary. "The turnout was 34% on March 4, 2008," said Registrar of Voters Madeleine M. Pencak. "They are expecting a very low turnout this time." 

Where do I vote? 

Due to the anticipated low turnout, only three polling sites will be open in Portsmouth: the (on Prudence Island); , 2200 East Main Road; and the Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Road. 

Your regular polling site in Portsmouth might not be the one you've visited in previous elections.

To find your polling site, check the pdf at right. You can also find your polling location by checking your registration on the Secretary of State's Web site here. 

Don't forget to bring a photo ID card with you to vote! This is the first year poll workers will ask you to show a current and valid ID when you vote at your polling place. To find out more about this, click here. 

Who's on the ballot? 

On the Democratic ballot, voters will be asked to select a presidential candidate. Barack Obama is the only candidate listed on the ballot, but voters can still write in a candidate of their choice. 

Voters with the Republican ballot will also be asked to choose a presidential candidate. Those listed on the ballot (even though the candidate might have officially dropped out of the race) are Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Buddy Roemer and Ron Paul. 

Several Portsmouth residents are also running as delegates on the ballot. 

Portsmouth's for Obama. State Rep. Dan Reilly, and his wife, Lynda Adams-Robitaille, are running as delegates at the national convention for Romney.