Rhode Island: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links

Rhode Island absentee ballots

• Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: Received by 4pm, 21 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received by 4pm, 21 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received by 4pm, 21 days before Election Day.

  If, after this deadline, you realize you will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, you can vote early using an emergency mail ballot within the 20 days before the election. You must apply for your emergency ballot by 4pm on the day before the election. You will be able to vote your ballot at your local Board of Canvassers, take it with you, or authorize someone to pick it up for you.

• Voted absentee ballots are due

  Received by 8pm on Election Day.

• Absentee ballot rules

  Any registered Rhode Island voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

• How to get an absentee ballot in Rhode Island

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it's close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

• Once you get your absentee ballot in Rhode Island

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.