RI'ers running for delegate must file

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Time is ticking away for Rhode Islanders who want to be delegates at the Democratic or Republican presidential conventions this summer.

Secretary of State Ralph Mollis wants to remind candidates that they must file official “Declaration of Candidacy” and “Pledge of Support” forms by 4 p.m. this Thursday.

In addition, candidates must collect signatures from at least 150 eligible voters by February 28 to qualify to appear on the ballot.

“Ensuring our elections are accessible to Rhode Islanders who vote and Rhode Islanders who wish to serve is one of my priorities. Government belongs to the people. The more they know, the better they will be served,” said Mollis.

Candidates will choose to run as a delegate for one of the presidential candidates on Rhode Island’s ballot or as uncommitted.

The only candidate on the Democratic ballot will be Barack Obama while Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Buddy Roemer, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum will be on the Republican side.

People can find who has filed to run, the progress being made collecting signatures, and the official forms on the Secretary of State’s website .

“This strategy saves Rhode Islanders the cost of printing thousands of guides and forms and makes it easier for political parties, citizens and candidates to share links with their constituents, friends and supporters,” said Mollis.

Rhode Islanders must register to vote by March 24 to be able to cast a ballot in the presidential primary on April 24th. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is April 3.