PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is warning residents of four Rhode Island communities that they must register to vote by this Saturday in order to be eligible to vote in municipal elections Nov. 3.
“Be prepared to make your voice heard. Voting is the best opportunity most of us have to have a say in the future of our community," said Mollis.
Central Falls, Jamestown and Woonsocket have off-year elections. A fourth community -- North Kingstown -- will have a referendum on the ballot. State law requires voters to be registered at least 30 days prior to an election.
Although the deadline to register falls on a Saturday, local elections officials have made arrangements for residents to register. In addition, voters who have moved or changed their names since they last registered can update their voter records as required by state law.
"If you are not sure whether you are registered to vote or whether your voter registration information is up to date, you can look up your record using the Voter Information Center on our website," said Mollis.
Central Falls City Hall will be open this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are races for city council and school committee.
In Jamestown, residents can register at Town Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Seven candidates are competing for five seats on the town council and four candidates are competing for three seats on the school committee. In addition, voters will be asked to decide 12 referenda questions related to the Jamestown Home Rule Charter.
Among the questions is one that would move Jamestown’s elections to even-numbered years, which would bring it in line with 36 other cities and towns. Voters will also be asked to decide whether to amend the charter to require the town to employ a town planner.
North Kingstown Town Hall will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voters will be asked to decide a $10 million bond for sewer construction. The ballot question would also authorize the town to impose sewer assessments and user fees.
Woonsocket officials have made arrangements for residents to register at the Harrison Library, 303 Clinton St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Races for mayor, city council and school committee are on the ballot.
The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election falls just days before Woonsocket’s mayoral primary on Oct. 6. Four candidates are competing to succeed Mayor Susan Menard. The two top vote-getters will face off in November.
In order to register to vote in one of November’s municipal elections, you must be at least 18 years of age by Nov. 3, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the community in which you wish to vote. Registering to vote is free.
As Secretary of State, Mollis oversees many aspects of federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. His office also publishes guidebooks that include important dates in the election cycle as well as outline how to run for office and how to register to vote.
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 registering to vote, visit www.sec.state.ri.us/elections.
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