Sunday's The Last Chance to Register for Feb. 25 Special Election

While voter interest in the Feb. 25 Special Election for former Rep. Lisa Baldelli-Hunt's vacant Dist. 49 post has been tepid, there's still time to register to vote in the contest if you'd like to buck the trend.

Only nine percent of eligible voters in Woonsocket's four Dist. 49 precincts showed for the Jan. 21 primary that handed firefighter Michael Morin the Democratic candidacy, with no Republican challenger. According to the Woonsocket Board of Canvassers, there are 7,724 residents who vote at Woonsocket Middle School, Kenndy Manor, Park View and Fairmount Heights.

If you live in one of those precincts and you're still not registered to vote, Sunday is your last chance to do that before the special election. If a resident has changed their address and/or their name, they must re-register to vote. 

Residents who wish to review their voter status may do so at www.sos.ri.gov/vic or by calling the Woonsocket Board of canvassers at (401) 762-0027. Forms are also available at sos.ri.gov/elections/forms and the form may be mailed to the Woonsocket Board of Canvassers.  To be valid, the form must be postmarked on or before Jan. 26, 2014.

Residents can register at the Board of Canvassers on the third floor of City Hall at 169 Main St., which will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26.  

Visit the RI Secretary of State's Voter Information website to see if you're in one of the Dist. 49 voting districts:

State Rep. Dist. 49

Voting Dist. 1 (Sen. 20): Middle School at Hamlet gym, 60 Florence Dr.  

Voting Dist. 2 (Sen. 24): John F. Kennedy Manor, 547 Clinton St.

Voting Dist. 3 (Sen.24):  Park View, 218 Pond St.

Voting Dist. 4 (Sen. 24): Fairmont Heights - 525 Second Ave.

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is also reminding voters that only a photo ID will be accepted at the polls in any primary and/or election. 

Rhode Island law now requires voters to show a proper photo ID in order to vote by regular ballot, however, if a registered voter does not possess a photo ID, they cannot be turned away at the polls.  They have the right to a provisional ballot, and should be given one at their polling location.