A guide to voter rights in Rhode Island. What you need to know before you cast a ballot

EDITOR'S NOTE: This page is part of a comprehensive guide to state voting rights across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.

For Rhode island voters, changes to voting access brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming permanent. For instance, voters can continue to cast ballots in-person in the 20 days leading up to an election. They can do so at a city or town hall or other designated area. Meanwhile, Rhode Island has been at the forefront of allowing former felons to vote, passing a referendum on the issue in 2006. In 2011, Rhode Island lawmakers passed a voter ID law with bipartisan support, and recent efforts to overturn it have been unsuccessful.

Has there been voter fraud in Rhode Island?

Since 2018, the Board of Elections has conducted 21 voter fraud investigations of which four were referred to the Attorney General's Office.

Source: Board of Elections; Rhode Island Secretary of State

Can convicted felons vote in Rhode Island?

A person convicted of a felony has their voting rights restored upon release from prison or entry into probation. A person incarcerated on a misdemeanor conviction or awaiting trial on a felony charge can still vote.

Source: Secretary of State's office

Do you have to show an ID to vote in Rhode Island?

All voters at the polls must present photo ID. There are various acceptable types of IDs. If a voter is unable to present valid photo ID, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot.

Source: Rhode Island Secretary of State

Is early voting allowed in Rhode Island?

Legislation passed in 2022 allows voting up to 20 days before an election. In the 2020 general election, 29% of the state's voters (149,608) voted early, in person.

Source: Rhode Island Secretary of State

How do you cast an absentee ballot in Rhode Island?

Legislation passed this year allows any Rhode Islander to request a mail ballot without giving a reason, and removed an old requirement that mail ballots be signed by two witnesses or a notary. Each city or town is required to maintain at least one drop box that is available 24/7 for ballots to be dropped off in the 20 days leading up to an election. In the 2020 general election, 33% of voters voted by mail.

Source: Rhode Island Secretary of State's office

How do you vote by mail in Rhode Island?

There is no difference in Rhode Island between mail-in voting and absentee voting. Voters may request a mail ballot without giving a reason. Each city or town is required to maintain at least one drop box that is available 24/7 for ballots to be dropped off in the 20 days leading up to an election. In the 2020 general election, 33% of voters voted by mail.

Source: Rhode Island Secretary of State's office

How did Rhode Island handle redistricting?

Rhode Island's Congressional and state legislative lines are both drawn by the state legislature and subject to gubernatorial veto. In 2011, Rhode Island established an 18-member advisory commission to assist this process. The state Senate and state House majority leaders each chose four commissioners who were members of the legislature and three who were not. The state Senate and state House minority leaders each chose two additional commissioners who are members of the legislature. Gov. Dan McKee signed new maps into law in February.

Source: Providence Journal and "All About Redistricting."

What is allowed or prohibited at Rhode Island polling places?

Electioneering is banned within 50 feet of polling place entrances. Polls or surveys of voter opinion are also not allowed within 50 feet of any polling place. No one may wear any campaign or political button within polling places. Electronic recording of the election process is allowed inside the polling place as long as it is done outside of the railed or enclosed voting area.

Source: Rhode Island Board of Elections

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island 2022 voter rights: What to know before election day