Ask Rhode Island A Question
Going to the Polls
Going-to-polls

Voting is what makes a democracy work. But that doesn't mean it's easy. We know it can be confusing, so we're here to help.  If you have questions about going to the polls, ask them here.

Answers
  • What do I bring to the polls?
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    Currently, identification is not required at the most of the polls in Rhode Island. However, under the Help America Vote Act of 2002, you may be required to show identification depending on whether you registered to vote in-person or by mail. If you registered to vote for the first time in Rhode Island and you registered by mail or via a third party, you will have to show identification at the polls only if the RI driver's license, RI identification number, or last 4 digits of your Social Security number do not match your record within those agencies. Also, if you did not write one of these numbers on your voter registration form and did not include a copy of a form of identification when registering, you will need to provide identification at the polls.

    Starting January 2012, you will be required to show an ID in order to vote.
    Acceptable photo IDs include:

    • Rhode Island driver’s license
    • Rhode Island voter identification card
    • United States passport
    • Identification card issued by a United States educational institution
    • United States military identification card
    • Identification card issued by the United States or the State of Rhode Island
    • Debit or credit card.

    OR

    You can show a non photo ID such as your Birth certificate, Social security card or Medicare card.

    For more information, check out http://sos.ri.gov/elections/voters/polls/

  • When do I vote? What time are the polls open?
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    Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd. The polls open between 7am and 9am, depending on the town. Polls close at 9pm by law statewide.

  • What's going to be on my ballot?
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    There are a lot of great tools and guides that can help you figure out who and what is on your ballot this year. Check out http://www.vote411.org/ or http://votesmart.org/voteeasy/# or http://thisismyballot.org/ to see the candidates and issues on the ballot in your area.

    Your Secretary of State or local elections board may have sample ballots as well.

  • Where do I go to vote?
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    There are a couple of places to find that information:


    1. Use the handy gadget on the right to look up your polling location.


    2. You can get the information directly from the Secretary of State. This is the office that is in charge of elections and can give you the most up to date information.


    Click here to find your Secretary of State's office: http://www.rockthevote.com/election-center/contact-sos/.