PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — If you’re not planning to head to the polls in person to vote in the primary election you’re almost out of time to request a mail ballot.
Tuesday is the last day to request a mail ballot. Unlike two years ago, you won’t receive an application by mail but you can request one online.
Gov Dan McKee signed a bill into law earlier this year making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote. The “Let RI Vote Act” allows Rhode Islanders to apply for a mail ballot without needing an excuse for why they can’t head to their polling location on Election Day.
It also drops the requirement that mail ballots have to be signed by two witnesses or notarized. Instead, voters’ signatures will be verified using their registration record by using a four-tiered verification process.
Every municipality is also required to have at least one drop box where voters can deposit their ballots securely through the close of polls on Election Day. Additionally, nursing home residents can now opt-in to automatically receive applications for mail ballots for every election.
“I encourage anybody who is critical about making it easier for people to access the ballot box to come and speak to people in my office, go talk to the people at the Board of Elections so that they really understand the multiple layers of security that we have built in over time,” Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea previously told 12 News.
“Technology has helped us actually keep our elections more secure,” she continued. It’s actually enabled us to make it easier for working folks, people with kids, people with complicated schedules, to be able to cast their ballot.”
If you do prefer to head to the polls and cast your ballot in person, Wednesday marks the start of early in-person voting. You can cast your vote at your registered town hall or board of canvassers through Monday, Sept. 12.
