Rhode Island
1 Check ID Rules
Rhode Island has different voter ID rules for:
Voting in Person
Voting by Mail
IDs for Voting in Person
Option 1: Show photo ID
Your ID:
- Must have your name and photo.
- Can be expired for up to 6 months.
- Does not need your current address.
You can show:
- Rhode Island driver’s license
- Rhode Island state ID card
- Rhode Island Voter ID card
- US passport or passport card
- Photo ID issued by Rhode Island or US government
- Tribal identification
- Military identification
- ID issued by an educational institution located in the United States
- Medical card issued by government
- RIPTA bus pass
Option 2: Ask for a Provisional Ballot
If you can’t show an accepted photo ID, ask to vote using a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots are a backup option to make sure eligible voters are not turned away.
Your provisional ballot counts if:
- Your signature on the envelope matches the one on file.
or
- You bring an accepted ID to your local Board of Canvassers the day after the election.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Rhode Island?
You still have options if you don’t have an accepted ID.
Vote by Mail
- Rhode Island doesn’t require ID for voting by mail.
Vote a Provisional Ballot
- Go to your assigned voting location.
- Ask to vote a provisional ballot and sign it.
- Confirm your ballot counts.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Rhode Island?
You must show a physical ID at the polls.
You cannot use an image, copy, digital, or mobile ID.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Rhode Island?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Rhode Island.
“REAL ID” is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards.
How to get a “REAL ID” in Rhode Island:
- You must appear in person to apply for your driver’s license or ID card.
- You must bring a variety of documents to prove your identity.
- Visit the Rhode Island DMV website to check what you need.
IDs for Voting by Mail
Any registered Rhode Island voter can request a mail ballot. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.
You do not need to provide ID to vote by mail in Rhode Island.
Don’t forget to sign the ballot envelope. Your signature will be verified with the one on file.
2 Register
Who can vote in Rhode Island?
You need to register before you can vote in Rhode Island.
You can vote in Rhode Island if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Rhode Island.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Rhode Island if:
- You are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.
- You are under a court order that takes away your right to vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in Rhode Island if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register in Rhode Island, visit Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Rhode Island if I attend college in Rhode Island?
College students are allowed to vote using their Rhode Island school residence address.
You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
How to Register
Required ID Information
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote!
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on your registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not give an ID number when you register, be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote.
Register to Vote Online
You can use this form to register in Rhode Island online.
Other Voter Registration Options
- Complete a registration form and send via mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island only allows for same-day registration to vote in a presidential election.
You can find Rhode Island’s deadline to register for all other elections here.
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register. Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your local election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Register to Vote in Rhode Island
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
Rhode Island requests photo ID to vote in person. Vote and sign a provisional ballot if you don’t have an accepted ID.
Voting by Mail
Any registered voter can request a mail ballot in Rhode Island. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.
You don’t need to provide ID when you vote by mail. The signature on your ballot envelope will be compared to the one on file with the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix my Rhode Island mail ballot if it is rejected?
You must be notified if your ballot is missing your signature or if the signature on it does not match your signature in state records.
The Board of Elections will provide a form that allows you to correct any issues. For your vote to count, you must return this form within seven days of a general or special election and within three days of a Primary Election.
