Rhode Island elections in 2024: Add these important dates to your calendar

Rhode Island has presidential preference primaries, state primaries and a general election coming up in 2024.

One or more Presidential Preference Primaries will be held on April 2, 2024, if enough candidates qualify for the state Presidential ballot. On Sept. 10, 2024, the state will hold primaries for state and local offices where enough candidates qualify for the ballot.

The General Election, on the Nov. 5, 2024, will choose between the winners of the presidential preference primary and state primaries.

Remembering if you're registered to vote, or figuring out how to register for the first time, can be confusing so let's break it down.

VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS: Check to see if you're registered to vote in Rhode Island.

Who can register to vote in Rhode Island

To be eligible to register to vote in Rhode Island, you must meet the following three criteria: a United States citizen, live in the city or town where you wish to vote and be at least 16 years old – the age when Rhode Island residents can pre-register to vote.

To vote in an election, you must be registered in the community where plan to vote and be at least 18 years old on Election Day.

How to register to vote in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers seven ways to register to vote:

Register through DMV

When completing forms at the Division of Motor Vehicles, unless you specifically opt out, you will automatically be registered to vote.

Register online

You can register online.

Register by mail

You can register by mail by downloading the registration form and mailing it in.

Register in person

You can register in person at your local board of canvassers. You can save time by downloading the registration form and filling it out ahead of time.

Same day registration for President

For Presidential elections only, you can register to vote for President and Vice President, but not for other offices, at a location designated by your local board of canvassers.

Confidential registration for crime victims

Victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, trafficking or abuse can register confidentially and keep their address from becoming public through the states address confidentiality program.

Register at federal social-service agencies

Under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, Rhode Island residents can register to vote at all federally funded social-service agencies that provide public assistance programs.

Voting and registration deadlines

The deadline to register to vote in Rhode Island is 30 days before Election Day.

To vote in person in Rhode Island, voters must get to their polling place on Election Day by 8 p.m. Those in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day whether they are mailed or dropped off in person.

For primaries, if you are registered with a party, who are only allowed to vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated or "independent" voters can vote in any party's primary, but only in one each election. By voting in a primary, unaffiliated voters will automatically be registered with that party. To return to unaffiliated status, fill out a form available at the polls or change your status online. (You can also follow the same procedure for registering as a new voter to change your status.

How to vote in Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island offers various options for those looking to vote. Let's break them down.

Vote early in-person

In the 20 days leading up to Election Day, you can vote in person at your city or town hall or at a designated location during regular business hours. View voting locations and hours in your community.

You must show a current and valid photo ID. If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls, you may cast a provisional ballot. This means that your vote may be counted by your local board of canvassers after they verify your eligibility. Check to see whether your ID meets eligibility requirements.

Request a mail-in ballot

Eligible voters do not need an excuse to vote by mail ballot in Rhode Island.

You can request a mail ballot online or see other ways to get a mail ballot.

The deadline to request a mail ballot is 21 days before Election Day.

Return your completed ballot

You can drop off your completed ballot at an official ballot dropbox in person to the state Board of Elections, 2000 Plainfield Pike, Suite A, Cranston. Dropbox locations are shown online.

Ballots may be returned by mail or in person and all ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The state recommends allowing seven days to make sure your ballot is received if it is mailed.

Voting in-person on Election Day

If you plan on voting in-person on Election Day, you can find your voting location options here.

Except for Presidential Elections only, you must be registered to vote by the deadline, well before Election Day.

You must show a current and valid photo ID. If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls, you may cast a provisional ballot. This means that your vote may be counted by your local board of canvassers after they verify your eligibility. Check to see whether your ID meets eligibility requirements.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI elections: When to register, vote in 2024 for president and more