from Rhode Island Secretary of State
Nov. 3, 2008

Last-minute Options for Voting on November 4

There are last-minute alternatives for Rhode Islanders who missed the deadline to register to vote or who find they will be out-of-town unexpectedly on November 4.

"Same-day" Ballots
If you missed the October 4 deadline to register to vote, you will not be able to vote for statewide or local races on Election Day. However, you will be able to cast a "same-day" ballot for President and Vice President if you are otherwise eligible to register to vote.  In most places, just to go to your community's city or town hall on November 4.
 
Four cities and towns have set up special locations instead of town hall on Election Day:  Coventry Town Hall Annex, 1675 Flat River Road; Little Compton, Wilbur McMann School, 28 Commons; Providence, Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square; and Smithfield Senior Center, 1 William J. Hawkins Jr. Trail. 

Whether you go to town hall or a special location, local elections officials will be on hand to help. You can register to vote and cast a ballot in the presidential race on the spot. And you are officially registered in Rhode Island for future elections.

Emergency Ballots
If you unexpectedly find you will be out-of-town on Election Day, you can go to your community's city or town hall and request an Emergency Ballot. You must be eligible to vote on Election Day in order to qualify. You will fill out a ballot at town hall and seal it in a privacy envelope. Your vote will be counted on Election Day the same as absentee and voting-machine ballots.