PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is offering voters some advice to help make their trip to the polls for the Sept. 14 primary go as smoothly as possible.
To avoid delays, Mollis advises voters to use the Secretary of State's website at sos.ri.gov to find the location of their polling place, to confirm that their voter registration information is accurate and to see a sample of the ballot they will use.
"For example, polls open at different times in different communities, anywhere between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Checking ahead of time will help avoid problems when you go to vote,” Mollis said.
More offices will be on this year's Democratic and Republican primary ballots than in 2008. There are primaries for both of Rhode Island’s Congressional seats, four out of five statewide general offices, state senate, state representative and many municipal races.
Polls statewide will close at 9 p.m. Any voter in line when the polls close will be allowed to cast a ballot. Voters are allowed to bring a marked sample ballot or other material that will help them in the voting booth.
Mollis wants people to know that they have an option if their eligibility is challenged when they go to vote. People who believe they are legally registered can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted if elections officials later determine that their claim is valid.
Voters who find they will unexpectedly be out-of-town on Sept. 14 can go to their city or town hall through this Monday and request an Emergency Ballot.
While the deadline for registering to vote in the primary has passed, Rhode Islanders have until Oct. 2 to register to vote in the Nov. 2 election. In order to register, you must be at least 18 years of age by Election Day, a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen.
During normal business hours, Rhode Islanders can register to vote in person at their city or town hall or at the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 148 West River St., Providence.
Applicants can also download voter registration forms from sos.ri.gov. In order for them to be eligible to vote in November's election, their original, signed form must be received by their local board of canvassers by Oct. 2.
The Secretary of State’s office prepares the ballots for all federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the statewide voter registration list and distributes handbooks that explain how to run for office, how to register to vote and how to vote.
For more information about voting in the Sept. 14 primary, visit sos.ri.gov or contact the Voter Help Line at (877) 462-8683.
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