PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 10, 2008) -- The state's record for voter turnout on Election Day has officially fallen today. More than 474,000 voters cast ballots in Tuesday's election, breaking the record set in 1992.
"The state Board of Elections, local boards of canvassers and poll workers deserve credit for conducting a nearly flawless election despite the heavy turnout," said Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis. "It was clear from my visits to polling places on Election Day that voters were well prepared and their experience was a good one."
The record fell after state Board of Elections finished counting more than 20,000 mail ballots late this afternoon. The total of 474,802 votes broke the 1992 record of 453,477 by more than 21,000. The final total may go higher once so-called “provisional ballots,” which are cast when a voter’s eligibility is in question, are counted next week.
Mollis had begun predicting record turnout last month based on a surge in voter registrations and mail ballot applications. This is the third election-related record that has been set this year. The previous marks for voter registrations and primary turnout were broken earlier this year.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.