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Rhode Island elections in 2026

This page lists Rhode Island statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Rhode Island​

Start with the official Rhode Island voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Rhode Island voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • August 10, 2026 — 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.
  • August 10, 2026 — 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).
  • August 10, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can register to vote in Rhode Island ONLINE. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day.

Online​

You can register to vote in Rhode Island ONLINE. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Your mailed-in voter registration must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day. Mail the completed form to your local board of canvassers.

Deadlines

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 of canvassers.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Rhode Island​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • August 10, 2026 — 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.
  • August 19, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting begins Twenty days before election.
  • September 7, 2026 — 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.

Voter ID requirements in Rhode Island​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Rhode Island voter ID requirements.

Rhode Island election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — 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. RI ST § 17-15-1. However, Rhode Island's Democrat and Republican primary elections will officially be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 this year, instead of the usual Tuesday election day.

Important dates​

  • June 24, 2026 — Candidates Filling Deadline: Declaration of Candidacy filling ends
  • August 10, 2026 — 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.
  • August 10, 2026 — 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).
  • August 10, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can register to vote in Rhode Island ONLINE. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day.
  • August 19, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting begins Twenty days before election.
  • September 7, 2026 — 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.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 4, 2026 — 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 of canvassers. **Note: ** The original date is October 4, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 5
  • October 4, 2026 — 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. **Note: ** The original date is October 4, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 5
  • October 4, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can register to vote in Rhode Island ONLINE. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is October 4, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 5
  • October 14, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting begins Twenty days before election.
  • November 2, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: In-person absentee Voting ends one day prior to day of election.

Official Rhode Island election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.