PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The voters of Central Falls will elect a new mayor on Dec. 11, and Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis has some advice to help make their trip to the polls go smoothly.
"The city will open the same eight polling places that were open on Election Day. So, anyone who voted on Nov. 6 should go to the same location. If you are not sure where to go, Voter Information Center to confirm where you will vote," said Mollis. "Checking ahead of time will help you avoid problems when you go to the polls."
The polling places are Calcutt Middle School, M.I. Robertson School, Central Falls High School, Veterans Memorial Elementary School, Capt. G.H. Hunt School, Madeirense Club, Ella Risk School and the Knights of Columbus. About 3,900 voters cast ballots in November's presidential election.
James Diossa and Joseph Moran are the candidates for mayor. They will be the only candidates on the ballot. The election will also be the last test this year of the state's new Voter ID law.
Beginning this year, voters will be asked to show an ID when they vote at the polls. Poll workers will accept a wide range of common IDs including a R.I. driver's license, state ID card, RIPTA bus pass, U.S. passport, employee ID and Social Security card.
Most importantly, no eligible voter will be denied the right to vote. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. If the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration, their ballot will be counted.
Polls will open at 7 a.m. and will now close at 8 p.m., which is an hour earlier than previous years. Any eligible voter in line when the doors close at 8 p.m. 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.
If your name is not on the voter registration list at the polling place and you believe that you are legally registered to vote in that precinct, you are eligible to vote a provisional ballot, which will be counted if elections officials determine that your claim is valid.
There is good news for people who unexpectedly find they will be unable to vote at their polling place on Dec. 11. They can go to City Hall through Mon., Dec. 10, and vote using an emergency ballot.
The Secretary of State's office works in partnership with municipal boards of canvassers and the state Board of Elections. The Secretary of State's office prepares ballots, maintains the statewide voter registration database, encourages voter registration and turnout and creates guides to running for office and voting. The state Board of Election oversees the delivery of ballots, maintenance of voting equipment and training of poll workers. Local boards of canvassers select polling places and poll workers.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island and making government more open and accessible. For more information about this year's elections, visit sos.ri.gov or call (401) 222-2340.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Barnett at 222-4293
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