Sect. of State Gorbea, “Let’s go VOTE!”

September 6, 2020/RINewsToday

Photo: RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s post on Twitter – taking motorcycle riding lessons

UPDATED: Sept. 8th:

If you have your absentee ballot and have NOT mailed it, drop it off at your City Hall – do NOT mail it at this point, it won’t be received in time to be counted.
ANY questions – call 2-1-1 in Rhode Island
Masks must be worn to the polls.
Hand sanitizer will be available at all locations.

What you need to know

If you have already requested a mail ballot and submitted your ballot, there is nothing more you need to do. If you have voted in-person by early voting at your local city/town hall, there is nothing more you need to do.

If you will be voting in person on TUESDAY, Primary Day – September 8^th, here is what you need to know:

MANY polling locations have moved due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Check to see if your polling location has moved.

REVIEW your ballot:

You may want to look at the ballot and review all the candidates running for office, take some time, do your research – some cities/towns have quite a few people running. Go here to do that:

https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/UpdateVoterRecord?ActiveFlag=0

WHERE to vote:

Go here to check your polling location (quite a few have changed):

https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/UpdateVoterRecord?ActiveFlag=0

HOURS to vote:

All polls are open 7am to 8pm

Note: There is NO Primary in Barrington, Lincoln, and Tiverton

On VOTING DAY:

Bring A Valid Photo ID

Poll workers will ask you to show a current and valid photo ID when you vote at your polling place. If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls, you may cast a provisional ballot. This means that your vote may be counted by your local board of canvassers after they verify your eligibility.

For a complete list of acceptable photo IDs and to learn about provisional ballots, refer to the FAQ section below or or download the informational flyer.

Check In

Check in with poll workers by giving your name, address and photo ID. They will locate your name in the electronic poll book and ask you to sign on the electronic poll pad. The poll workers will initial your signature and provide you with the appropriate ballot and a secrecy folder. The secrecy folder helps to ensure the privacy of your election choice(s).

Go to the voting booth

Once in the voting booth, be sure to check both sides of the ballot before you start marking it. Some elected offices or questions may appear on the back of the ballot.

Mark your ballot

Completely fill the oval next to your choice(s) using the black pen provided. To vote for a candidate whose name is not on the ballot, you can fill in the oval to the left of “Write-in” and print the name clearly in the box. If you make a mistake while marking your ballot, a poll worker will be able to assist you in obtaining a replacement ballot.

Go to the voting machine to submit your ballot

To protect your privacy, place the ballot in the secrecy folder given to you and proceed to the voting machine. Remove your ballot from the secrecy folder and insert your ballot into the voting machine. The machine will scan your vote and indicate that your vote is counted. If you made an error while voting, the machine will indicate that you made an error and ask if you would like to correct your error or continue casting your ballot. You can ask a poll worker for help if this happens. Place the empty secrecy folder on the table next to the voting machine and proudly wear your “I voted” sticker.

Can I vote in ANY primary?

If you are affiliated with a specific political party, you may only vote in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated, also known as independent, voters can vote in any party primary but, by casting a vote in a party primary, you automatically become affiliated with that party. If you vote at the polls and want to return to an unaffiliated status, you may request a “disaffiliation form” from poll workers right after you vote, and fill it out before leaving the polling place. You will officially return to your unaffiliated status in 30 days.

Can I bring my children with me to the poll if I have to?

Anyone under the age of 18, can go with an adult into the voting booth, provided that the child(ren) are under the voter’s care and supervision.

Check that you are registered to vote – and check your party affiliation, here:

https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/UpdateVoterRecord?ActiveFlag=0

Track the status of your ballot if sent in by mail: