Last update: Apr 03, 2026 04:35 a.m. EDT
Last update: Apr 02, 2026 05:17 a.m. EDT
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Registration Summary
Rhode Island offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Rhode Island by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Registration Top Actions
Who can register to vote?
To register in Rhode Island you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be a resident of Rhode Island and of the city or town where you wish to vote at least 30 days before the next election
- be at least 16 years of age (you must be at least 18 years old on or before a general or special election to vote)
- not currently be incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction
- not have been lawfully judged to be mentally incompetent
Can I register to vote online?
- Rhode Island offers online voter registration.
- To register online in Rhode Island, you need to provide your Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) -issued driver’s license or state ID number. If you don’t have a Rhode Island-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration form by mail.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your form by mail in Rhode Island, you are required to provide your Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued driver’s license or State ID number, if you have one. If you have not been issued one of these ID numbers, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, indicate NONE. The State of Rhode Island will assign a unique identifying number to you.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you are affiliated with a political party in Rhode Island, you may only vote in that party's primary. If you are an unaffiliated voter, you must choose one party’s ballot when you vote. This will not affiliate you with a party.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office.
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing your registration form, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. You will also be asked to provide proof of identity that meets state law. Visit the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division website to learn more.
You can also register to vote using the Rhode Island voter registration form.
If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application at least one week before the registration deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.
If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application at least one week before the registration deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Rhode Island allows for same day voter registration for the Presidential Election only. If you miss the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote on Election Day, but you will only be able to vote for President and Vice President. You will not be able to vote in any state, local, or other federal races.
You can only register and vote on Election Day at the location designated by your local election office. Contact your local election office for more information.
You can only register and vote on Election Day at the location designated by your local election office. Contact your local election office for more information.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can complete a voter registration application in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Rhode Island allows for same day voter registration for the Presidential Election only. If you miss the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote on Election Day, but you will only be able to vote for President and Vice President. You will not be able to vote in any state, local, or other federal races. You can only register and vote on Election Day at the location designated by your local board of canvassers.
- Learn more by visiting the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division website or contacting your local election office.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Rhode Island before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day in order to vote. You may vote in a primary election if you are at least 17 years old and will be at least 18 years old by the next general or special election.
- are at least 16 years old
- are a United States citizen
- are a resident of the Rhode Island city or town where you wish to vote at least 30 days before the next election
- are not presently judged “mentally incompetent” to vote by a court of law
- are not currently incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction
You must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day in order to vote. You may vote in a primary election if you are at least 17 years old and will be at least 18 years old by the next general or special election.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
You can complete a voter registration form in person at any Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office while completing DMV forms. If you are eligible to register to vote, you are automatically registered to vote while completing DMV forms unless you opt out.
You can also download a voter registration form and bring the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division website.
To register using the Rhode Island online voter registration system, you are required to provide your Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) -issued driver’s license or state ID number. If you don’t have a Rhode Island-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration form by mail or in person.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your form by mail in Rhode Island, you are required to provide your Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) -issued driver’s license or state ID number if you have one. If you have not been issued one of these ID numbers, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Rhode Island. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Rhode Island's voter registration lookup tool.
Which election office should I contact?
- In Rhode Island, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Department of State Elections Division and the State Board of Elections oversee elections and election administration in Rhode Island. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.