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Secretary of State Ralph Mollis Stresses August 14 Is Deadline to Register to Vote in Primary

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is reminding Rhode Islanders that they have until Sat., Aug. 14, to register to vote in September’s primary.

“Two years ago we set new highs for voter registrations and voter turnout. It really looks like the momentum has carried over to 2010,” said Mollis.

State law requires Rhode Islanders to register to vote at least 30 days before the Sept. 14 primary. In order to register, you must turn 18 by Nov. 2, be a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen. In order to vote in the primary, you must be at least 18 years of age.

Although the Aug. 14 deadline falls on a Saturday, Mollis will open his office at 148 West River St., Providence, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every city and town also has made local arrangements for residents to register this Saturday.

“We have been and are working with every city and town to ensure that anyone who is interested in registering knows where to go and what to do in order to register before the deadline," said Mollis.

Rhode Islanders can also download voter registration forms from the Secretary of State’s website at sos.ri.gov. In order to make the deadline, the original, signed form must be received by the applicant's local board of canvassers by Aug. 14.

In addition to targeting first-time voters, the special Saturday schedule gives voters who have moved or changed their names recently a convenient way to update their voter records as required by state law.

More offices will be on the primary ballot this year than in 2008. There are primaries for the Congressional District 2 seat and the Congressional District 1 seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy as well as four of the five statewide general offices.

The Secretary of State’s office prepares the ballots for all federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the statewide voter registration list and distributes handbooks that explain how to run for office, how to register to vote and how to vote.

Related links

  • Department or agency: Office of the Secretary of State
  • Online: http://www.sos.ri.gov/
  • Release date: 08-10-2010

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