How to Vote Early Before Election Day

STEP
1

Where to vote

Most cities and towns will host early voting at their local board of canvassers located in your city/town hall. Be sure to check the designated early voting location.

STEP
2

Present a Valid Photo ID

You will be asked to show a valid photo ID. If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID when voting in person, you will vote an emergency mail ballot.

For a complete list of acceptable photo IDs download this informational flyer.

If you do not have a valid photo ID, the Elections Division at the RI Department of State will issue one. Call 401-222-2340 or email [email protected] to learn more.

TransVoters – learn more about getting a photo ID that matches your current appearance if you need one to vote in person.

STEP
3

Get your ballot or ballot card

Check in with the elections official by giving your name, address and photo ID. They will locate your name in the electronic poll book and ask you to sign on the electronic poll book.

The elections official will initial your signature.

Voters needing assistance marking their ballot may choose to use the ExpressVote. If you want to use the ExpressVote to mark your ballot, inform the elections official and you will be provided with a ballot card and a secrecy folder. The secrecy folder helps to ensure the privacy of your election choice(s).

STEP
4

Mark your ballot or ballot card

This infographic shows the two options for marking your ballot.

Proceed to the privacy area provided to fill out your ballot.

First, read the instructions carefully on how to mark your ballot and check both sides of the ballot. Note how many candidates you can vote for or if you are to approve or reject a referendum question.

If voting a ballot, be sure to completely fill the oval next to your choice(s) using the black pen provided.

Write-in option when applicable: To vote for a candidate whose name is not on the ballot, you can fill in the oval to the left of “Write-in” and print the name clearly in the box.

ExpressVote Users: Proceed to the ExpressVote, insert the ballot card, and follow the instructions using the marking tools.

If you make a mistake or need assistance while marking your ballot, the clerk will be able to assist you in obtaining a replacement ballot and answering any questions you may have.

STEP
5

Proceed to the voting machine to count your vote

Once you have completed your ballot or ExpressVote ballot card, place it into the secrecy folder and proceed to the voting machine.

Remove your ballot or ExpressVote ballot card from the secrecy folder and insert it into the voting machine.

The machine will scan your ballot or ExpressVote ballot card and indicate that your vote is counted.

If you made an error while voting, the machine will indicate that you made an error and ask if you would like to correct your error or continue casting your ballot.

Return the empty secrecy folder to the elections official and proudly wear your “I voted” sticker!

FAQ

• What is a valid photo ID?

  Rhode Island state law requires voters to present a valid photo ID before being allowed to vote in person.

  The following is a list of photo IDs you can show when voting early. The ID cannot have expired more than 6 months before the election:

  • RI driver's license/permit
  • US passport
  • ID card issued by any federally recognized tribal government
  • ID card issued by an educational institution in the United States
  • US military identification card
  • ID card issued by the US government or State of Rhode Island (RIPTA bus pass, etc.)
  • Government issued medical card
  • RI Voter ID card

  
  

  Please note that RI Driving Privilege Cards or Permits are not acceptable forms of Voter IDs.

• What if I don’t have a Photo ID?

  If you don’t have an acceptable form of photo identification, the Department of State will issue you one.

  You must provide one of these proofs of identity to receive a free voter ID card:

  • Employee ID card
  • ID card provided by a commercial establishment
  • Credit or debit card
  • Military ID card
  • Student ID card
  • Health Club ID card
  • Insurance Plan ID card
  • Public Housing ID card

  
  

  If you do not have one of the proofs of identity above, you must bring one of the documents below to obtain a free voter ID card.

  It must include your name and be dated since the last general election, unless the document is intended to be of a permanent nature such as a pardon or discharge:

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government paycheck
  • Document issued by a government agency
  • Official elections document issued by a government agency, dated for the election in which the registered voter is providing it as proof of identity
  • Voter notification issued by a governmental agency
  • Public housing ID card issued by a governmental agency
  • Lease or rental statement or agreement issued by a governmental agency
  • Student ID card issued by a governmental institution/agency or non-governmental institution/agency
  • Tuition statement or bill issued by a governmental agency
  • Insurance plan card or drug discount card issued by a governmental agency
  • Discharge certificates, pardons, or other official documents issued to the registered voter by a governmental agency in connection with the resolution of a criminal case, indictment, sentence or other matter
  • Public transit authority senior citizen and disabled discount ID card issued by a governmental agency
  • ID documents issued by governmental disability agencies
  • ID documents issued by homeless shelters and other temporary or transitional facilities
  • Drug prescription issued by a government doctor or other governmental health care provider
  • Property tax statement issued by a governmental agency
  • Vehicle registration issued by a governmental agency
  • Vehicle certificate of ownership issued by a governmental agency

  
  

  If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polling place, you will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. For more information regarding provisional voting, visit the State Board of Election’s website.

  To apply for a RI Voter ID, call the RI Department of State's Election Division at 401-222-2340 or send an email to [email protected] to make an appointment.

• What if my current photo ID doesn’t look like me?

  Voters are encouraged to have a photo ID that matches their current appearance to avoid confusion with election officials. Any registered voter in Rhode Island may get a free Voter ID through our Elections Division. If you are a member of the Trans community, we encourage you to view our TransVoterRI Informational Flyer to learn more.

• What if I don't have an ID, but I want to vote early in-person?

  If voters don’t bring an acceptable photo ID, they can submit a traditional emergency mail ballot application which will be reviewed by the local board of canvassers. The voter will be given a ballot which they will vote and insert into a mail ballot envelope. The envelope will be delivered to the Board of Elections where the ballot will be processed as a mail ballot.

• What should I do if I applied for a mail ballot, but changed my mind and want to vote early in-person?

  You should contact your local board of canvassers.

• Can I vote early in-person if I applied for a mail ballot, but it still hasn’t arrived?

  You should contact your local board of canvassers.

• What if I need assistance casting my vote?

  You can request the assistance of a bipartisan pair of poll workers. Federal and state laws allow voters who are blind, disabled, or unable to read or write to bring a person of their choice into the voting booth. An affidavit must be completed.

• Can I bring my child(ren) with me to vote early?

  Anyone under the age of 18, can go with an adult to vote, provided that the child(ren) are under the voter's care and supervision.

• Can I vote in any party primary?

  If you are affiliated with a political party, you may only vote in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated, or independent, voters can vote in any party primary.

• Can I vote early in person on weekends or evenings?

  Early voting is typically available during regular business hours at your city/town hall or a designated area. You should contact your local board of canvassers to ask if they offer extended early voting hours.

• Can I pick up a ballot (regular mail or emergency mail) for someone else if I have their photo ID?

  Voters can designate an individual to pick up a mail ballot during the emergency mail ballot period. They can designate that individual on the emergency mail ballot application.

  There is no option for people to pick up a ballot for someone else on Election Day.

• Can any voter use the ExpressVote?

  Yes, any voter may use the ExpressVote. When checking-in with a poll worker, inform them that you want to use the ExpressVote to mark your ballot.

• Can I still vote if I have a legal guardian?

  Yes, you may vote unless a judge says in a written order that you cannot vote.

• What should I do if I have a relative or a friend who I do not believe can understand or cast a ballot?

  What matters is the voter’s intent: if the voter’s intent can be determined, then the voter must be allowed to vote. How others view an individual’s state of mind does not determine their eligibility to vote. If the individual is registered to vote and can direct how they would like to vote, then they must be allowed to vote.

  If the individual is unable to articulate his/her preference when voting, then others should not cast a vote for them.