Your Vote: Study the statewide referenda to be a more informed voter – know voting dates, more…

The state of Rhode Island will soon be sending you a Voter Information Handbook to learn more about the bond issues that will be on the ballot this fall. In addition to these, each city and town may have their own issues on the ballot.

Do your part to be an informed voter – whether voting in the mail – early – or day of – it is your responsibility to learn what you can about the ballot questions, and the local people running for local races, from city/town councils to school committees.

How often do we get to the voting place and look at a list of names and say to ourselves, who are these people – I never heard of them – or, what do they stand for, I don’t know. This year is NOT the year to have this experience. But it is your responsibility to arm yourself with the information you make your vote count in an intelligent way.

To that end, we’re providing you with a link to the booklet. So, take some time today – have a cup of coffee – go through the booklet and write out questions you may want to know more about. Your local senator or representative should be able to help you learn more.

Local referenda, see your sample ballot: Go to vote.ri.gov and soon your local ballot will be available to review – there may or may not be referenda on the ballot – as well as local races.

Dates and resources you need to know:

Election Day is November 5th.

Deadline to register to vote: October 6th

Check your voter registration information, here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/UpdateVoterRecord?ActiveFlag=0

You can apply for a mail ballot no later than October 15th – here: https://mailballot.sos.ri.gov/

Mail ballots can be returned by mail, in person, or at a drop-off location

How to vote by mail: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/VoteFromHomeGuide.pdf

Early voting begins on October 16th

Link to the booklet: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/24RefGuideEng.pdf

You can also read the booklet online, here: scroll through using the tool at the far right at the top, or download to your computer or phone, or print.