Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Polls always close at 8 p.m. regadless of election type
State Election Guide
Rhode Island election dates and voter deadlines
Rhode Island 2026 election calendar with upcoming election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, poll hours, and official sources.
Before You Vote
Key voting questions
How can I find my polling location?
Voter Information Lookup can help you check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, and view your sample ballot.
What's on the Rhode Island ballot in 2026?
Rhode Island's current statewide calendar includes Rhode Island Primary Election 2026 on September 9, 2026 and Rhode Island General Election 2026 on November 3, 2026. Local ballots may include additional races, questions, or measures.
Who can vote in primaries in Rhode Island?
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...
Election Calendar
Rhode Island current and upcoming election dates
Rhode Island Primary Election 2026
September 9, 2026
State and Federal primaries are held on the heighth Tuesday preceding biennial state elections to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices. S.C. Code § 7-13-15. However, Rhode Island's Democrat and Republican primary elections...
Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Official Rhode Island Primary Election 2026 source
Key deadlines
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Candidate petition filing deadline
Declaration of Candidacy filling ends
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In-person voter registration deadline
In person registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day. Voters will automatically be registered to vote when they interact with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
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Online voter registration deadline
You can register to vote in Rhode Island ONLINE. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day.
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Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment
Your mailed-in voter registration must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day.Mail the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
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In-Person Absentee voting begins
In-person absentee voting begins Twenty days before election.
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In-Person Absentee voting ends
In-person absentee Voting ends one day prior to day of election. Note: Be aware that this date falls on a holiday (Labor Day, 1st Monday in September) and may be subject to change.
Rhode Island General Election 2026
November 3, 2026
November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November
Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Official Rhode Island General Election 2026 source
Key deadlines
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Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment
Your mailed-in voter registration must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day.Mail the completed form to your local board of canvassers. Please confirm schedule adjustments with your local election office.
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Voter Registration Deadline In Person
In person registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day. Voters will automatically be registered to vote when they interact with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Bring the completed form to your local board...
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Voter Registration Deadline Online
You can register to vote in Rhode Island ONLINE. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day. Please confirm schedule adjustments with your local election office.
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In-Person Absentee voting begins
In-person absentee voting begins Twenty days before election.
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In-Person Absentee voting ends
In-person absentee Voting ends one day prior to day of election.
Election Day Rules
Voting on Election Day in Rhode Island
Time off for voting: No
Time off to vote is subject to the employer. Rhode Island state law does not require employers to grant time off to vote for employees.
Voting at the polls on Election Day
When you get to your polling place, poll workers will ask for your name so they can confirm you are registered to vote.
Voter ID: Non-strict photo ID
Can I register at the polls on Election Day?
No. Rhode Island does not list same-day voter registration. You must register by the voter registration deadline to vote in an election in Rhode Island.