Vote from Home


Who can vote by mail?

How to Vote by Mail in Rhode Island

STEP
1
Rhode Islanders can now submit their mail ballot application online!

  • Click here to apply for a mail ballot online (must have a valid RI Driver’s License or State ID and be registered to vote).
    • WATCH: How the online mail ballot application system works.

  • Click here to download the paper mail ballot application from our publications and forms page.
  • Click here to download the Braille/Tactile/Large Print mail ballot application form.
  • The local board of canvassers will review your application and compare your signature with the signature on your voter record.
  • Voters that are unable to sign their name must have the application witnessed.
Rhode Island mail ballot
STEP
2

You will receive your mail ballot packet at the address listed on your application. Your mail ballot packet includes:

  1. Your mail ballot
  2. Voter's Mail Ballot Certificate envelope
  3. Vote by Mail instructions wrap
  4. Postage-paid return envelope
  5. I Voted by Mail sticker

If you do not receive your packet, call the Elections Division at 401-222-2340.

STEP
3

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.

Completely fill the oval next to your choice(s) using a pen. Black ink preferred.

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

Do not cross out any mistakes you may have made on your ballot. Instead call the Elections Division at 401-222-2340 or TDD 711 to make arrangements to receive a replacement ballot.

Voters that request a Large Print Ballot can mark the large print ballot instead of the ballot included in the mail ballot packet.

Voters that are requesting an Accessible Ballot should click here for detailed information.

fill oval
write-in
STEP
4
  • Insert voted ballot into Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate (smaller envelope).
  • Print your name.
  • Provide a telephone number in case there are questions pertaining to your Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate.
  • Sign your name. The signature on your Mail Ballot Certificate envelope will be compared to the signature on your mail ballot application.
  • Voters that are unable to sign their name must have the mail ballot certificate witnessed.
Rhode Island mail ballot
STEP
5

Option 1: Place completed mail ballot certificate envelope into the postage-paid return envelope addressed to the:

      Rhode Island Board of Elections
      P.O.Box 6128
      Providence, RI 02940

Allow at least seven (7) mailing days to ensure your mail ballot arrives by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Option 2: Hand deliver the sealed envelope to any official elections drop box located around the state. Use the Drop Box locator or contact your local board of canvassers to find a drop box near you. On Election Day, all polling places also have a receptacle in which you can deposit your sealed ballot.

Option 3: Hand deliver the sealed envelope to the Board of Elections:

      2000 Plainfield Pike, Suite A
      Cranston, RI 02921

The Board of Elections must receive your mail ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day

Rhode Island mail ballot

FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about voting by mail. We encourage you to read the complete guide on how to vote by mail.

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