Secretary of State and Attorney General offer resources for upcoming elections

Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today remind Rhode Islanders of their rights as voters before early voting begins for the November 5, 2024 general election.

The two also published a guide called “Know Your Rights: Elections in Rhode Island,” which outlines those rights and provides related resources.

“As Secretary of State, I am committed to ensuring that every eligible Rhode Islander has the information they need to vote successfully, whether by mail, in person or on Election Day.” , Amore said. “I am proud to continue our partnership with Attorney General Neronha and hope Rhode Islanders will take a moment to review this guide and ensure they understand their rights as voters.”

Neronha called voting “our most fundamental right as American citizens.”

“When we vote, we choose our representation, we choose what we want for the future of our cities, our state and our country,” he said. “These choices alone can be difficult, and that’s why it’s so important to protect our citizens’ ability to vote safely, without intimidation or interference.” »

The guide outlines nine main voting rights in Rhode Island, including the right to vote without pressure or intimidation, the right to vote absentee for any reason, and the right to correct an absentee ballot or application for voting. postal vote if rejected.

Also included are the right to vote in person before Election Day, the right to bring one of several photo IDs to identify you at your polling location, and the right to request a provisional ballot if you are a registered voter and your name is not on the voters list at your designated polling location, or you do not have acceptable photo identification.

The guide also notes that regardless of gender identity, Rhode Islanders can vote immediately upon release from prison. Residents can also vote when they have been charged with a crime or are awaiting trial, sentencing or incarceration.

Finally, the guide describes the right to bring someone with you to vote.

Amore and Neronha also encouraged anyone whose right to vote is interfered with by threats, intimidation or coercion to report it immediately using the Attorney General’s online complaint form or by calling the voter information line at 2-1-1 and pressing 5.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 4 p.m. today, October 15, 2024. Absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Early voting will take place starting tomorrow, October 16, until November 4 at 4 p.m.

Nine primary voting rights in Rhode Island:

1. You have the right to vote without any pressure or intimidation.
2. You have the right to vote by mail for any reason.
3. You have the right to correct your absentee ballot or absentee ballot application if it is rejected.
4. You have the right to vote in person before Election Day.
5. You are allowed to bring one of several photo IDs to identify yourself at your polling location.
6. You have the right to request a provisional ballot if you are a registered voter and your name is not on the voters list at the designated polling location, or if you do not have acceptable photo identification.
7. You have the right to vote regardless of your gender identity.
8. You have the right to vote upon release from prison, and you may also vote while you have been charged with a crime or are awaiting trial, sentencing, or incarceration.
9. You have the right to be accompanied by someone to vote.

Voters interested in learning more about Rhode Island elections can contact the RI Department of State by emailing [email protected], calling 401-222-2340, or going online to vote.ri.gov. The 2-1-1 Voter Information Hotline is also now available to Rhode Island voters.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp reporter in the reporting included in this article.