Early Voting

If for any reason you believe you will not be able to make it to the polls on election day, you can vote early or apply for an emergency mail ballot within 20 days before an election. Early and Emergency ballots must be voted or applied for in the locality in which the voter lives.

For ballots voted at the local Board of Canvassers, the process requires voters to check in on the electronic poll book using an acceptable form of photo ID. The voter then completes his or her ballot and casts it in the DS 200. These ballots will be tabulated on election night after 8:00 p.m. when polls close. 

*Early Voting is only available in municipalities that have a Primary September 5th including Congressional District 1, Senate 1 Providence, and Foster Town Council. If you are not sure if you are eligible for these election visit the voter information page.*

Surrendering Mail Ballots for Early Voting is not permitted.

A voter cannot surrender his mail ballot in exchange for an early in-person ballot to be cast at the local canvassing authority. Once the mail ballot application is accepted, the voter can either return the completed mail ballot for tabulation or vote a Provisional Ballot in person on Election Day at his or her designated polling place. Given the proximity of the election, and the need to ensure the integrity and security of the ballot, it is not administratively possible to substitute different forms of mail ballots. For the full statement click here.

All mail ballots and emergency mail ballots must be received by the State Board of Elections at 2000 Plainfield Pike STE A Cranston, R.I. 02921 by 8:00 P.M. the night of the election.

Call your local Board of Canvassers for more information.

Emergency Mail Ballots

A voter also may apply for an emergency mail ballot by obtaining an application from the local Board of Canvassers in the event that they can not come to the early voting location. The voter or a representative of the voter must return the application by 4:00 P.M. the day before the election. If the application is accepted the Board of Canvassers will issue the voter a ballot with an envelope that they must complete and return to the Board of Canvassers or an official Elections Drop-box by 8 P.M. on election night.

All mail ballots and emergency ballots must be received by the State Board of Elections at 2000 Plainfield Pike STE A Cranston, R.I. 02921 by 8:00 P.M. the night of the election.