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Rhode Island's Primaries

Partisan Primary Types​

Democratic PartyRepublican Party
Presidential PrimariesState PrimariesPresidential PrimariesState Primaries
open-to-unaffiliated open-to-unaffiliated open-to-unaffiliated open-to-unaffiliated

Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling​

Consolidated Primaries: no

Rhode Island is one of the states that have not merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primaries and State primaries are scheduled to run on different days

Rhode Island has a 'semi-closed' party primary system. This means that you may only vote in your party's primary, but if you are registered as "Unaffiliated", or "Independent", you may vote in the primary of any party you choose. Once you vote in a primary, however, you are considered a member of that party until and unless you "disaffiliate".

If you vote by mail ballot and want to return to an unaffiliated status, you may do so by updating your voter record and changing your party. You can also complete a new paper voter registration form or contacting your local board of canvassers. You will officially return to your unaffiliated status in 30 days.

If you vote at the polls and want to return to an unaffiliated status, you may request a “disaffiliation form” from poll workers and fill it out before leaving the polling place. You will officially return to your unaffiliated status in 30 days. .

Delegates and Presidential Primaries​

The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election. Candidates Ballot access rules vary depending on the candidate’s political party.

Democratic PartyRepublican Party
Total Del. VotesPled.Unpled.Altern.Total Del. VotesPled.Unpled.Altern.
30 21 9 2 19 19 19

Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process​

Democratic Party's Delegates Allocation​

The Democratic party will send a total of 30 Delegate Votes (21 Pledged, 9 unpledged) and 2 Alternate delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

The party will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Primary Election for apportioning pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 14
  • At-large Delegates: 4
  • Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 3
  • Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 9
  • Alternate Delegates: 2

Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown​

  • DNC Members: 4
  • Dem. Members of Congress: 4
  • Dem. Gorvernors: 1
  • Distinguished Party Leaders: 0

Republican Party Primary Delegates Process​

Republican Party's Delegates Allocation​

The Republican party will send a total of 19 Delegate Votes (6 district-level, 10 at-large, 3 RNC) and 16 Alternate delegates to the Republican National Convention. The party will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Primary Election for apportioning pledged delegates to the Republican National Convention.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 6
  • At-large Delegates: 10
  • RNC Delegates: 3
  • Alternate Delegates: 19

NOTES​

This page contains primary election rules and Presidential Primary delegates allocation information on elections occurring across the country

Primary voting rules and delegate allocation apply to statewide partisan primary elections in most cases. However, check with your Town Clerk for primary voting guide as they may vary by town and political party.Please be advised that the information provided on this site is updated regularly but is subject to scheduling changes at the local level.

The information provided on the page was validated using the following resourses: