It’s a big week for Rhode Island elections, with upcoming deadlines for mail ballot applications and the start of early voting ahead of the state’s Sept. 10 primary.
Rhode Island registered voters have until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, to apply for a mail ballot for the state’s Sept. 10 primary. The next day, Aug. 21, early, in-person voting will begin at designated locations across the state, continuing through Sept. 9
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Applications can be filled out online through the R.I. Department of State Elections Division website. Paper applications are also available, which must be returned in person to a local board of canvassers or sent by mail with a postmark no later than Aug. 20.
As of Monday morning, more than 12,000 mail ballot applications had been accepted by the state, with 10,000 of those applicants already sent a mail ballot, said Faith Chybowski, a spokesperson for the Department of State.
The upcoming state primaries mark the second, regular election cycle in which Rhode Island voters can ask for a mail ballot without having to give a reason, and have designated, early-in person voting, based on legislation approved in 2022. Mail ballots and early, in-person voting have become increasingly popular and more accessible ways for voters nationwide and in Rhode Island to participate in elections. Nearly a quarter of voters who participated in the state’s 2022 primaries cast ballots early, in person or by mail.
The primary ballots will include contested state legislative seats as well as municipal races for mayor, school committee and city and town council members.
The general election on Nov. 5 will also include the presidential contest.
Nancy Lavin is a staff writer for the Rhode Island Current.
