Rhode Island

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Rhode Island by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Secretary of State website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Board of Elections website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 30 days before the election.
• On Election Day: Rhode Island has same-day voter registration for presidential elections. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your local Board of Canvassers.

The application is available in English and Spanish.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 30 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Rhode Island varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide either you valid driver's license number or valid RI ID number issued by the RI Division of Motor Vehicles. If you haven't been issued a valid RI driver's license or RI ID number, you must provide the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you haven't been issued either, you will indicate this on the form. If you aren't able to provide the above information then you will need to bring one of the following: Rhode Island voter ID card, US passport, US military ID card, ID issued by US or State of RI, government-issued medical card, employee ID card, ID card provided by a commercial establishment, credit or debit card, Student ID card issued by a recognized US educational institution, health club ID card, insurance plan ID card, or public housing identification card. Note ,a non-photo ID must have the voter's name and address. OR a copy of the following documents provided the document includes the name and current address and is dated since date of last general election unless intended to be of permanent nature: utility bill, bank statement, document issued by a government agency, lease or rental statement, student ID card, or tuition bill.

Registering to vote by mail

The applicant shall be required to provide their Rhode Island driver's license or State ID number if the applicant has been issued a current and valid Rhode Island driver's license or State ID. In the case of an applicant who has not been issued a current and valid driver's license or State ID, they must provide the last four (4) digits of their social security number. An applicant, who has neither, will be assigned a unique identifying number by the State of Rhode Island.

Registering to vote online

You will need: your Rhode Island DMV issued driver's license or State ID number, your name as it appears on your Rhode Island driver's license or State ID card, and your date of birth. Alternatively, you may complete the form without your driver's license or State ID number for paper submission.

Registering to vote on Election Day

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide either you valid driver's license number or valid RI ID number issued by the RI Division of Motor Vehicles. If you haven't been issued a valid RI driver's license or RI ID number, you must provide the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you haven't been issued either, you will indicate this on the form. If you aren't able to provide the above information then you will need to bring one of the following: Rhode Island voter ID card, US passport, US military ID card, ID issued by US or State of RI, government-issued medical card, employee ID card, ID card provided by a commercial establishment, credit or debit card, Student ID card issued by a recognized US educational institution, health club ID card, insurance plan ID card, or public housing identification card. Note ,a non-photo ID must have the voter's name and address. OR a copy of the following documents provided the document includes the name and current address and is dated since date of last general election unless intended to be of permanent nature: utility bill, bank statement, document issued by a government agency, lease or rental statement, student ID card, or tuition bill.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

The applicant shall be required to provide their Rhode Island driver's license or State ID number if the applicant has been issued a current and valid Rhode Island driver's license or State ID. In the case of an applicant who has not been issued a current and valid driver's license or State ID, they must provide the last four (4) digits of their social security number. An applicant, who has neither, will be assigned a unique identifying number by the State of Rhode Island.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need: your Rhode Island DMV issued driver's license or State ID number, your name as it appears on your Rhode Island driver's license or State ID card, and your date of birth. Alternatively, you may complete the form without your driver's license or State ID number for paper submission.

Pre-registering to vote on Election Day

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Rhode Island can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Rhode Island’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Rhode Island, you need to be registered to vote at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Rhode Island has same-day voter registration for general elections in which the office of The President is on the ballot. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at your local Board of Canvassers. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration, but only for President/Vice-President.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

No, in Rhode Island, you cannot register to vote during early voting. To cast your vote in an election, make sure you’re registered at least 30 days in advance. 

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Rhode Island residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a U.S. Citizen and resident of Rhode Island
• Be at least 16 years of age (you must be at least 18 years of age to vote)
• Not be incarcerated in a correctional facility upon a felony conviction
• Not be presently judged "mentally incompetent" to vote by a court of law

In Rhode Island, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Rhode Island gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. If you choose “Unaffiliated,” you are allowed to vote in the primary of any party of your choice. Once you vote in a party’s primary, you will be considered a member of that party.