PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Islanders that they have until Tuesday, May 19, to submit mail ballot applications for the June 2 Presidential Primary. For the safety of voters and poll workers, Rhode Island's Presidential Primary will be a mostly mail ballot election.
Please note, mail ballot applications must be received by the Board of Elections or your local board of canvassers by Tuesday, May 19, not postmarked. Applications postmarked on Tuesday, May 19th will likely not be received in time. Applications can also be dropped off in person at your local board of canvassers – the address can be found on the back of the application. Voters are encouraged to contact their local board of canvassers before dropping off an application in person.
"Voting by mail is the safest and most secure way to cast your ballot during this pandemic," said Secretary Gorbea. "I strongly encourage all Rhode Islanders to send in their mail ballot applications by this weekend to ensure they are received in time."
If you are a registered voter in need of a mail ballot application, visit vote.ri.gov or contact the Department of State's Elections Division at 401-222-2340 or elections@sos.ri.gov.
Last month, all registered voters were sent mail ballot applications with postage-paid return envelopes. Rhode Islanders are reminded to do their part in helping maintain the state's voter rolls by marking applications for anyone who no longer lives at their address as "undeliverable" and returning it. This begins the process, under federal law, of legally removing an outdated registration from the rolls.
Voters can learn more about Rhode Island's predominantly mail ballot Presidential Primary, including other key dates and frequently asked questions, by using Secretary Gorbea's online guide here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Content/Pdfs/June2PPPGuide.pdf
Voters who do not return mail ballot applications by the Tuesday, May 19 deadline or who prefer to vote in person can find a list of polling places here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/PollingPlaces?ActiveFlag=2
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