In 2024, Rhode Islanders will determine who is elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the Rhode Island Senate, and many school committee and other local races.

Voting for pro-public education, pro-worker candidates at the state and local level is one of the most effective ways to stand up for public schools and working families.

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION

REGISTER TO VOTE

WAYS TO VOTE

• Be registered
  • You must register by Sunday, October 6 to vote in the General Election. 
  • Register online. To register online, go to the Voter Information Center. Remember to have your Rhode Island driver's license or state ID ready.
  • Register by Mail. To register by mail, download the voter registration form. Mail the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
  • Register in person. To register in person, download the voter registration form. Bring the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
  • Same-day Registration. Rhode Island allows same-day voter registration for presidential elections only. If you miss the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote on Election Day, but you will only be able to vote for President and Vice President. You will not be able to vote in any state, local, or other federal races. You can only register and vote on Election Day at the location designated by your local board of canvassers.
  • Make sure your voter registration is current by checking your registration information at vote.sos.ri.gov.
• Know your Voter Rights! 
  • The right to vote is one of the most important rights we have as an American citizen and as Rhode Islanders. Visit the Voter Information Center for more.
• Voting in person on Election Day. The General Election will be Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls open from 7am until 8pm. Note if you are in line by 8 o'clock, you have the right to vote. Find your polling place!
• Vote by mail. You can request a mail ballot application now until October 15! Learn more about voting by mail here.
• Early, in-person voting. Any voter can vote early at their local board of canvassers starting Wednesday, October 16 until Monday, November 4. Learn about early voting here.

KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

Sample Ballot: Sample ballots are available so you can research and make your voting plan. Click here to access your personal sample ballot.

Photo ID - Rhode Island state law requires voters to present a valid photo ID at the polling place before being allowed to vote. The following is a list of photo IDs you can show at the polling place. The ID cannot have expired more than 6 months before the election:

• RI driver's license/permit
• US passport
• ID card issued by any federally recognized tribal government
• ID card issued by an educational institution in the United States
• US military identification card
• ID card issued by the US government or State of Rhode Island (RIPTA bus pass, etc.)
• Government issued medical card
• RI Voter ID card

Please note that RI Driving Privilege Cards or Permits are not acceptable forms of Voter IDs.

Make sure you are ready to be a voter! Visit your personal Voter Information Center to familiarize yourself with your polling location, your ballot, and what races and issues you will be voting on. 

THE RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

The NEARI Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI-PACE) is a Political Action Committee (PAC) established and funded by members of NEARI to recommend and support public education and pro-worker champions for local, state, and federal office.  No dues dollars enter the PAC; dues and donations are completely separate funds.

The NEARI-PACE (often called RIPACE) recommendation process is member-driven, and candidates running for  office have the opportunity to seek the recommendation of RIPACE.

Candidates seeking the RIPACE recommendation engage with members in a number of ways, including the completion of a candidate questionnaire, and participating in a question and answer session with committee members during the RIPACE screening interviews.

READ THE RELEASE

Federal Candidates

KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT

Kamala Harris’ vision for our future, strong values, and history of public service prove her ability to create opportunities for all Americans.

Educators know the importance of electing leaders who care about students, public schools, and families. These candidates share our values and commitment to public education.

BALLOT QUESTIONS

On statewide ballot questions, NEARI-PACE recommends voters vote No on Question 1 and vote Yes on Questions 2-5.

Rhode Island Constitional Convention? Reject Question 1

In November, voters will be asked whether or not the State should hold a constitutional convention. We urge you to reject Question 1 in November by voting "no" to the calling of a convention, which could be disastrous for Rhode Islanders' rights and liberties.

Approve Referenda Questions 2 – 5 

Questions 2-5 involve authorizing the State to borrow money through bonds and temporary notes to make capital investments (Chapter 117 Public Laws 2024). Remember these are statewide questions, your city or town may have local bond questions in addition. Be sure to make your voting plan! View your sample ballot in advance at vote.sos.ri.gov

What is a bond? 

A bond is like a mortgage or loan. Just like people might borrow money to get an education or buy a home, the State is asking to borrow money from a lender with the promise to pay it back over time with interest. These questions are asking you for permission to borrow and invest in different areas of our state. 

Question 2: Higher Education Facilities - $160,500,000

For capital improvements to higher education facilities, to be allocated as follows:

• University of Rhode Island Biomedical Sciences Building - $87,500,000
• Rhode Island College Cybersecurity Building - $73,000,000

Question 3: Housing and Community Opportunity - $120,000,000

To increase the availability of housing, support community revitalization, and promote home ownership, to be allocated as follows:

• Affordable Housing - $80,000,000
• Acquisition and Revitalization - $10,000,000
• Homeownership - $20,000,000
• Site Acquisition - $5,000,000
• Housing Related Infrastructure - $4,000,000
• Municipal Planning - $1,000,000

Question 4: Green Economy Bonds - $53,000,000

For environmental and recreational purposes, to be allocated as follows:

• Port of Davisville Infrastructure at Quonset - $15,000,000
• Climate Resiliency - $2,000,000
• Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development - $5,000,000
• Local Recreation Projects - $5,000,000
• Municipal Resiliency - $10,000,000
• Newport Cliff Walk - $3,000,000
• Agricultural Land Preservation Commission - $5,000,000
• Open Space Program - $3,000,000
• Forests and Habitat Management - $5,000,000

Question 5: Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program - $10,000,000

For purposes of funding for 1:1 matching grants to continue the Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program administered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) for capital improvement, preservation and renovation projects for public and non-profit artistic centers, performance centers, museums, and cultural art centers located throughout the State of Rhode Island, to be allocated as follows: 

• Tomaquag Museum - $2,000,000
• Newport Contemporary Ballet - $2,000,000
• Trinity Repertory Company - $2,000,000
• Other funds to be allocated by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts - $4,000,000

Want to dive deeper into each question? 

Check out the Secretary of State's Voter Information Guide.