Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea announced today that there will be a special election in Senate District 11 to fill the seat of former Senator Christopher Ottiano on Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Senate District 11 includes parts of Bristol, Portsmouth, and Tiverton.
"I want to thank Senator Ottiano for his service to the people of Rhode Island. I look forward to giving the voters of Senate District 11 the opportunity to elect a new senator," Secretary Gorbea said. "We are working closely with the State Board of Elections and the local boards of canvassers to ensure that the election process is fair, fast and accurate."
State law authorizes the Secretary of State to order a special election to fill a vacancy. The declaration period for the special election will take place on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. A special Primary election will take place on Tuesday, December 1, if more than one candidate from either party qualifies for the ballot.
Special Election Calendar
October 22-23 Declaration of candidacy period
October 26 Endorsement deadline (district committee)
October 27 Endorsement deadline (state committee if district committee failed to endorse)
November 1 Voter registration deadline for primary
November 3 Nomination papers filed with local boards
November 10 Primary mail ballot application deadline (if necessary)
December 1 PRIMARY (if necessary)
December 6 Voter registration deadline for election
December 15 Election mail ballot application deadline
January 5 ELECTION