PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 3, 2008) — Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is reminding Rhode Islanders that this Saturday is the deadline to register to vote in November\'s election. He has compiled a list of more than 40 places that will be open on Saturday for people register at the last minute.
“This election is extremely important to the future of both our country and our state. It is clear that we must make it as convenient as possible for people to make their voices heard on Nov. 4,” said Mollis.
Mollis is teaming up with Cardi’s Furniture to stage a voter registration drive at the company\'s West Warwick Superstore on Route 2 this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mollis will also open his Providence office at 148 West River St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Although the deadline falls on a Saturday, there will be at least one place in every city and town where residents can register. Mollis posted the list of locations and the hours they will be open on his website at www.sec.state.ri.us.
“People are more focused on this election than any one that I can remember. We worked with every city and town to ensure that everybody would know they have a convenient place to register before the deadline,\" said Mollis.
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.
In order to register, you must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Rhode Island and have a valid social security number or Rhode Island driver’s license. Registering to vote is free.
Completed voter registration forms that have not been turned into the local board of canvassers must be postmarked by Oct. 4 in order to make the deadline.
In addition to the race for president, the November ballot will feature contests for Jack Reed’s U.S. Senate seat as well as the state\'s two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are also races for state representative, state senate, town council and school committee in many communities.
Mollis expects turnout will be heavy on Nov. 4. A record 213,000 Rhode Islanders cast ballots in the state’s March presidential primary.
“The overwhelming amount of activity we’ve had this year shows that voters are very excited about this election,” said Mollis.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about where to register to vote this Saturday, visit www.sec.state.ri.