Voter Registration in Rhode Island — Overview
Rhode Island is administered by the Rhode Island Board of Elections, with local administration handled by city and town clerks. Registering to vote is free and takes just a few minutes online.
Who Can Register to Vote in Rhode Island?
To register, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old on or before Election Day
- A Rhode Island resident (at your current address)
- Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
Online (Fastest)
Register or update your registration at vote.ri.gov. You'll need your RI driver's license or state ID number. Takes about 2 minutes.
In Person
Register at:
- Your city or town clerk's office
- The RI Board of Elections (50 Branch Ave, Providence)
- State agencies (DHS, DMV) if you're already visiting
By Mail
Download and complete the Rhode Island Voter Registration Form, then mail it to your city or town clerk. Forms must be postmarked by the registration deadline.
Registration Deadlines
| Election Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Primary or general election | 30 days before the election |
| Same-day registration | Available on Election Day (provisional ballot) |
Same-Day Registration
Rhode Island allows you to register at your polling place on Election Day. However, you'll cast a provisional ballot, which is counted after election officials verify your registration. Bring proof of identity and residency.
Checking Your Registration
Confirm your registration status, polling location, and party affiliation at vote.ri.gov.
Updating Your Registration
If you've moved within Rhode Island, changed your name, or want to change your party affiliation, update your registration at vote.ri.gov or in person at your city/town clerk's office.
Rhode Island Party Affiliation
Rhode Island has closed primaries — you must be registered with a party (Democrat or Republican) to vote in that party's primary election. If you're registered as Independent or unaffiliated, you can only vote in general elections (and some special elections).
To change your party affiliation, update your registration at vote.ri.gov.
Polling Places and Election Day
Find your polling place at vote.ri.gov. Polling places are typically open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day.
What to bring: Rhode Island requires photo ID to vote. Acceptable IDs include:
- RI driver's license or state ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
- Student ID with photo
If you don't have a photo ID, you can still vote by signing the poll book — a poll worker will note your name for verification.
Vote by Mail (Mail Ballot)
Rhode Island offers no-excuse absentee voting — any registered voter can request a mail ballot for any reason.
Request a mail ballot at vote.ri.gov or by contacting your city/town clerk. Mail ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote at the DMV?
Yes — when you get or renew your RI driver's license or state ID, you'll be given the option to register to vote (or update your registration).
How do I know if I'm already registered?
Check at vote.ri.gov using your name and date of birth.
Can felons vote in Rhode Island?
Yes — once released from incarceration. You can register and vote immediately upon release, even while on probation or parole.
What if I moved after registering?
Update your address at vote.ri.gov or at your city/town clerk. If you moved within the same city/town, you can update at the polls on Election Day.
Official Resources
Disclaimer: Registration deadlines and procedures may change for each election cycle. Verify current deadlines at vote.ri.gov.