Voter Guide: Election 2023
About half of Rhode Islanders are in the process of choosing their next representative in Congress.
A special election is being held the state’s 1st Congressional District after David Cicilline stepped down to take a job with the Rhode Island Foundation. The district covers the eastern part of the state, including part of Providence County and all of Newport and Bristol counties.
Democrat Gabe Amo will take on Republican Gerry Leonard in November.
Voters are also choosing a new state senator in Providence’s District 1 following the death of Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin, while mayoral elections are being held in four Southeastern Massachusetts cities.
12 News is Your Local Election Headquarters and will be tracking these races closely through Election Day. Below, you’ll find all the information you need to cast your vote.
Skip to a section: Key Dates | Who’s Running? | 3 Ways to Vote | What do I need? | Massachusetts Races
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Key Dates (RI)
| October 8 | Voter registration deadline for CD1 special election | ☆ Register to vote online » ☆ Register to vote by mail » |
| October 17 | Mail ballot application deadline for CD1 special election | ☆ Request a mail ballot online » ☆ Download mail ballot application » |
| Oct. 18 – Nov. 6 | Early voting for CD1 special election | ☆ Find your polling place » |
| November 7 | Election Day | ☆ Find your polling place » |
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Who’s running?
RI’s 1st Congressional District
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RI Senate District 1 (Providence)
☆ Jake Bissaillon (D)
☆ Niyoka Powell (R)
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How to Vote
Registered voters can cast their ballot three ways: in person ahead of Election Day, in person on Election Day, or by mail.
Early voting in the 1st Congressional District race will take place from Oct. 18 to Nov. 6.
For those who requested a mail ballot, they must be returned by the day of the election. Officials recommend putting the ballots in the mail at least a week in advance. Mail ballots can also be dropped off at the Board of Elections in Cranston or in secure drop-boxes located in every city and town.
Map: Drop Box and Early Voting Locations »
Anyone planning to vote on Election Day can find their polling place on the secretary of state’s website. All polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
☆ Where is my polling place ?
☆ See my sample ballot »
☆ Mail ballot information »
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What do I need?
To vote in person, Rhode Islanders must show photo identification. Options include:
- Driver’s license or permit
- US passport
- State-issued ID card
- Voter ID card
- US military ID
- ID issued by a US educational institution
- Tribal ID
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Massachusetts
Voters in four Southeastern Massachusetts cities will be choosing their next mayor in the coming months.
Key Dates (MA)
The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation is 10 days before any election.
Mail ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on the fifth business day before any election.
| September 19 | Preliminary election (Fall River mayor) | ☆ Find your polling place » |
| September 26 | Preliminary election (Taunton) | ☆ Find your polling place » |
| October 3 | Preliminary election (New Bedford) | ☆ Find your polling place » |
| November 7 | Election Day | ☆ Find your polling place » |
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Who’s running?
Fall River Mayor
☆ Paul Coogan*
☆ Sam Sutter
☆ Michael Vandal
New Bedford Mayor
☆ Jon Mitchell*
☆ Nathan Almeida
☆ Ryan Duarte
☆ Michael Janson
☆ Tyson Moultrie
Taunton Mayor
☆ Shaunna O’Connell*
☆ Ed Correira
☆ Charles Wright
*incumbent
Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone is running unopposed.
☆ Where is my polling place ?
☆ See my sample ballot »
☆ Mail ballot information »
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What do I need?
In Massachusetts, voters are not required to show photo ID, but that may be requested if:
- Someone is voting for the first time
- Someone has been deemed an inactive voter
- Someone is casting a provisional or challenged ballot
- The poll worker has reasonable suspicion to make that request