Good news! Voting in Rhode Island just got a lot easier thanks to the grassroots efforts of the Let RI Vote coalition - a collection of community groups and organizations, including Clean Water Action, working to advance the cause of voting rights in Rhode Island. Here is the where, when, and how of voting in the Ocean State in 2022! And remember, if you have any questions about voting in Rhode Island, you can call the Elections Division at 401-222-2340.
Registering to Vote
The first step of being a voter is registering to vote. Take a moment and double check that your registration is up to date! The deadline to register to vote is October 9th for the November 8th general election. Not registered? No problem! Register now! Fun fact! In Rhode Island, you have to be 18 years old to vote, but only 16 years old to register. Why wait?
Once you are sure you are registered, make a voting plan! There are a few ways to vote in Rhode Island. We lay them all out here.
Voting by Mail
Thanks to the passage of the Let RI Vote Act, it is now easier to vote by mail. You DO NOT NEED AN EXCUSE to vote by mail. You simply need to request a mail ballot.
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Use this application form to request a mail ballot for the November 8th general election. Return your application to vote by mail in the general election to your local Board of Canvassers by October 18th at 4pm.
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Don't have a printer? Request a mail ballot APPLICATION be sent to you. Return your application to vote by mail in the general election to your local Board of Canvassers by October 18th at 4pm.
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Use this form to request a Braille ballot or large print ballot.
Your mail ballot will be mailed to you. Once you have your mail ballot in hand, carefully follow the directions to fill it out. Don’t forget your signature!
To return your mail ballot:
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You can drop it (in the sealed envelopes) in a secure drop box. Locate a secure drop box near you!
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You can mail your ballot, but you should make sure to allow time for it to be delivered by Election Day.
**Your mail ballot must be received by the Board of Elections by 8pm on Election Day.**
Early In-Person Voting
In Rhode Island, you can vote early in-person in the 20 days before Election Day. Bring a valid photo ID to your local Board of Canvassers located in your city hall during the early voting hours listed. It’s very similar to voting at your regular polling place on Election Day. Why wait? Go vote!
In-Person Voting on Election Day
Of course, there is always the classic way to vote: in person on Election Day! Grab your valid photo ID, and head over to your polling place on Election Day before the polls close. You can request a free RI Voter ID if you don’t have another form of valid ID by calling the Elections Division at 401.222.2340 or emailing elections@sos.ri.gov, but no eligible voter will be turned away at the polls. Voters who do not bring ID to the polls can vote using a standard provisional ballot, which will be counted if the signature they give at the polling place matches the signature on their voter registration card.
There you have it, Rhode Islanders. Whether you mark your mail ballot on the beach, head downtown to vote early in person, bring your kids with you to a secure drop box, or show up on Election Day, make a plan to vote and #BeAVoter. And be sure to check our website for our list of endorsed pro-environment candidates!
