Vote on Election Day

STEP
1

Determine Where to Vote

Be sure to confirm your polling location using the polling place lookup tool. Polling places typically open at 7 a.m. and close promptly at 8 p.m. Check to confirm when your polling place opens on Election Day.

STEP
2

Present a Valid Photo ID

You will be asked to show a current and valid photo ID when you vote at your polling place. If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls, you may cast a provisional ballot. This means that your vote may be counted by your local board of canvassers after they verify your eligibility.

For a complete list of acceptable photo IDs and to learn about provisional ballots, refer to the FAQ section below or download the 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 poll workers 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 pad.

The poll workers will initial your signature and provide you with your ballot and a secrecy folder.

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

Voters will be directed to a voting booth or the ExpressVote to mark their ballot or ballot card.

This infographic shows the two options for marking 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 poll workers 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 marking 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 your ballot 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 a poll worker and proudly wear your “I voted” sticker.

FAQ

• Can I vote in any party primary?

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

  If you vote by mail ballot and want to return to an unaffiliated status, you may do so by updating your record here and changing your party. You can also complete a new paper voter registration form or contacting your local board of canvassers. You will officially return to your unaffiliated status in 30 days.

  If you vote at the polls and want to return to an unaffiliated status, you may request a “disaffiliation form” from poll workers and fill it out before leaving the polling place. You will officially return to your unaffiliated status in 30 days.

• What is a valid photo ID?

  Rhode Island state law requires voters to present a valid photo ID at the polling place before being allowed to vote.

  The following is a list of photo IDs you can show at the polling place. 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 valid 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 happens if the voting machine jams? How do I cast my ballot?

  If the voting machine or the ExpressVote malfunctions, please see a poll worker for instructions.

• 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.

• If I am still in line when the polls close at 8:00 p.m., will I be allowed to cast my vote?

  Yes. you will be allowed to cast your vote if you are in line at your polling location by 8:00 p.m.

• Can I bring my child(ren) with me to the polls?

  Anyone under the age of 18 can go with an adult into the voting booth, provided that the child(ren) are under the voters care and supervision.

• Are campaigns allowed inside polling places?

  Rhode Island General Laws, Section 17-19-49 currently prohibits the display or distribution of any poster, paper, circular or document that would aid, injure or defeat any candidate for public office or any political party or any question on the ballot.

  This law prohibits such display within the voting place or within fifty (50) feet of the entrance or entrances to the building in which voting is taking place at any primary or election.

  Election officials, that is, wardens, moderators, clerks and bi-partisan supervisors, assigned to a polling place are also prohibited from displaying or wearing any political party button, badge or other device that is intended to aid, injure or defeat the candidacy of any person for public office or any question on the ballot or to intimidate or influence any voter.

  The State Board of Elections has oversight of the conduct of elections at polling places and that office should be contacted if you have any specific questions as to what campaigning is allowed.

• Can any voter use the ExpressVote?

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

• What is a provisional ballot?

  No one should be turned away at the polls! You have the right to request a provisional ballot if you are a qualified, registered voter and your name cannot be found on the voter list when you arrive at your designated polling place or if you do not bring a current and valid acceptable photo ID to the polling place. Your vote will be counted after your local board of canvassers confirms your eligibility.

• 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.