RI Voter Information Handbook On It's Way

In preparation for November’s general election, R.I. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis wants voters to be on the lookout for the 2014 Rhode Island Voter Information Handbook, which should begin appearing in local mailboxes soon.

The 31-page guide includes all seven statewide referenda questions and explanations, which will appear on November’s ballot, along with the races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and Statewide General Offices, as well as for state senator, state representative and many municipal offices. 

The guide will also include information about voting at the polls, voting by mail ballot, and contact information for your local Board of Canvassers or Election Office, as well as the state’s Voter ID law.

“The guide is also posted on our website.  Please visit sos.ri.gov, click Elections & Voting, and then click Overview.  The 2014 Voter Information Handbook is listed under For Voters.  This makes it easy for the general public, voters, and candidates to share the information with friends, family and supporters,” said Mollis.  “Government belongs to the people. The more they know, the better they will be served.”

State law requires the Secretary of State’s office to publish and mail the handbook to every residential household in Rhode Island prior to every general election.
 
Because many cities and towns have moved their polling places, the handbook also outlines how voters can confirm the location of their polling place ahead of time.

This year, poll workers will ask voters to show a current and valid photo ID when they vote at their polling place.  Acceptable forms of ID are listed below. 

•    RI driver’s license
•    U.S. passport
•    ID card issued by an educational institution in the United States
•    U.S. military identification card
•    ID card issued by the U.S. government or State of Rhode Island like a RIPTA bus pass
•    Government issued medical card
•    RI Voter ID

It’s important to note, no eligible voter will be turned away at the polls. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to their polling place can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. The ballot will be counted if the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration.  Also, mail ballots do not require ID.

Registered voters who don’t have an acceptable current and valid Photo ID can get a free Voter ID at our office in Providence at 148 West River Street during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). We will also come to your community.  To invite us to provide free Voter IDs at your organization or event, contact us at 222-2340, TTY 711 or elections@sos.ri.gov.

The Secretary of State's office prepares the ballots for all elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the statewide voter registration list, promotes voter registration and turnout and creates guides to running for office and voting.

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