2026 Voting Guides

Rhode Island voting guide

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here’s what you need to vote in Rhode Island.

Check Your Registration

Even if you voted last time, check that you’re still registered. Check your registration

Register by:
  • Online, by mail, or in person: Sun., Oct. 4

Key Dates

  • Last day to register to vote
  • Last day to apply for a regular mail ballot (received by 4 p.m.)
  • Early in-person voting and emergency mail ballot period begins
  • Early voting and emergency mail ballot period ends (4 p.m.)
  • Election Day; polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m.
  • Deadline to fix (cure) a deficient mail ballot; military/overseas ballots due (4 p.m.)
  • Deadline for candidates to request a recount

Your Voting Checklist

  • Vote early in person from Wed., Oct. 14 to Mon., Nov. 2.
  • Vote by mail. Any voter can vote by mail.
    Request a ballot by Tues., Oct. 13. Request a mail ballot
    Return it by Tues., Nov. 3.
    Problem with your ballot? If there is a problem, the state will mail you a notice to fill out and send back. Track your ballot
  • Vote on Election Day, Tues., Nov. 3, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Find your polling place
  • Bring the right ID. You must show a photo ID to vote in person.
    • Rhode Island driver's license or permit
    • U.S. passport
    • Tribal ID card
    • U.S. school or college ID
    • U.S. military ID
    • U.S. or Rhode Island government ID, like a RIPTA bus pass
    • Government medical card
    • Free Rhode Island Voter ID card
    No ID? You can vote a provisional ballot that counts if your signature matches. See the official ID rules
  • Review your sample ballot before you go.
  • Have a past conviction?
    • You can't vote only while you are in prison for a felony.
    • Your right to vote comes back when you are released, even on probation or parole.
    • Register again if your registration was cancelled.
  • Make a plan and bring three people. Make a plan

What’s on Your Ballot

These are the biggest races in Rhode Island this year. Please note, we do not endorse any candidates.

Governor

  • Ken Block Independent · Campaign site
  • Software business founder; founded the Moderate Party of Rhode Island; ran for governor in 2010 and 2014.
  • Helena Foulkes Democratic · Campaign site
  • Former CVS Pharmacy president and former CEO of Hudson's Bay Company.
  • Aaron Guckian Republican · Campaign site
  • Former executive director of the RI Dental Association; former aide to Gov. Don Carcieri; 2022 GOP nominee for lieutenant governor.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Ken Block Independent

Says elections should offer 'real choice' beyond the two major parties. Source

Helena Foulkes Democratic

No public position found.

Aaron Guckian Republican

No public position found.

Policing, prisons & public safety

Ken Block Independent

Says he would choose judges based on legal merit and move magistrate picks away from the General Assembly. Source

Helena Foulkes Democratic

No public position found.

Aaron Guckian Republican

No public position found.

Immigration

Ken Block Independent

No public position found.

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Has said refugees and immigrants are essential to the health care workforce and that the state should protect programs like Temporary Protected Status that cover them. Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

No public position found.

Abortion & health care

Ken Block Independent

No public position found.

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Plans to raise Medicaid payment rates and create a state navigator program to keep people insured as federal cuts hit. In 2022 she pledged to 'protect a woman's right to choose' (Ballotpedia survey). Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

Plans to grow the number of primary care doctors and dentists with training pipelines, incentives and less red tape, and to rein in health care costs. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Ken Block Independent

Says he would veto a 'millionaires tax.' Plans to cut taxes and fees on electric and cell-phone bills, stop truck tolls, and try one year of free RIPTA bus fares. Source

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Says she will lower living costs and 'fight back against Donald Trump's attacks on our state' and the funding families rely on. In 2022 she backed a middle-class tax cut. Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

Says the state has 'too many taxes, too many fees.' Plans targeted tax relief, cutting hidden fees and cutting wasteful spending. Source

Workers & wages

Ken Block Independent

No public position found.

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Plans to expand affordable child care and public transit so working families can get to good-paying jobs. Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

No public position found.

Housing

Ken Block Independent

Says the state should review state-owned land and buildings for affordable housing and that every bill should carry a 'Housing Note' showing its effect on housing supply. Source

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Her 'Rhode Home' plan aims to build tens of thousands of new homes and lower the cost of renting and owning. Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

Says he will expand housing options and reduce barriers to construction. Source

Schools

Ken Block Independent

No public position found.

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Proposes a $100 million bond to build and update career and technical education schools. Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

Says he will invest in public schools, teacher support, and vocational and technical training tied to local employers. Source

Climate & environmental justice

Ken Block Independent

Wants to cut government-imposed charges on electric bills and has said solar projects are using land that could be used to build homes. Source

Helena Foulkes Democratic

Plans a $40 million program to help homes and small businesses add solar and batteries, solar on 250 schools and town buildings, and to fight federal efforts against offshore wind. Source

Aaron Guckian Republican

Says he will work to lower utility costs. Source

U.S. Senate

  • Raymond McKay Republican · Campaign site
  • Retired City of Warwick network manager and U.S. Army veteran; former RI Republican State Central Committee member.
  • Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • U.S. senator since 1997; Army veteran; top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Raymond McKay Republican

No public position found.

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Cosponsored the For the People Act on voting rights and the D.C. statehood bill. Source

Policing, prisons & public safety

Raymond McKay Republican

No public position found.

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Supports community policing with independent oversight. Helped pass the First Step Act to shorten some sentences. Source

Immigration

Raymond McKay Republican

Supports securing the border and 'responsible immigration and enforcement policies' that put Rhode Islanders and Americans first. Source

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Supports the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. Says he wants to enforce laws humanely while reforming ICE. Source

Abortion & health care

Raymond McKay Republican

Says he will protect Social Security and Medicare by cutting wasteful spending and going after fraud. Source

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Helped write parts of the Affordable Care Act. Opposes efforts to repeal it and says he will protect Medicare and Medicaid. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Raymond McKay Republican

Wants to stop deficit spending and balance the federal budget to fight inflation. Source

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Voted against H.R. 1 (2025), the tax and spending law that extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced future Medicaid and SNAP spending. Supports closing corporate tax loopholes. Source

Workers & wages

Raymond McKay Republican

No public position found.

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Has backed raising the federal minimum wage and the Paycheck Fairness Act for equal pay. Source

Housing

Raymond McKay Republican

No public position found.

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Has directed federal money to RI for housing and homelessness and helped pass the ROAD to Housing Act to build more housing. Source

Schools

Raymond McKay Republican

Lists 'reinvesting in the rights of parents over the government' and 'a well educated American nation' as priorities. Source

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Supports Pell Grants, lower student loan costs, Head Start and school construction. Source

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Raymond McKay Republican

No public position found.

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Cosponsored the Equality Act to add LGBTQ+ protections to civil rights law. Source

Climate & environmental justice

Raymond McKay Republican

Supports 'American energy independence' with nuclear and fossil fuels plus green energy, and opposes subsidies. Has criticized offshore wind policy. Source

Jack Reed Democratic, incumbent

Supports limiting carbon pollution, clean renewable energy and full funding for the EPA. Source

Ballot measures

  • Higher Education Facilities Bond ($275 million). Borrow $275 million for a new health building at URI, a workforce center at CCRI Warwick, and a student success center at Rhode Island College.
    Yes means the state can borrow the money for these college buildings.
    No means the state cannot borrow the money for these projects.
  • Housing Development Bond ($120 million). Borrow $120 million to build and keep affordable and accessible housing.
    Yes means the state can borrow the money for affordable housing.
    No means the state cannot borrow the money for these housing projects.
  • Economic and Infrastructure Development Bond ($100 million). Borrow $100 million for industrial sites, Quonset Business Park, I-95 district projects, ocean industries and life sciences.
    Yes means the state can borrow the money for these economic development projects.
    No means the state cannot borrow the money for these projects.
  • Environment and Watershed Protection Bond ($55 million). Borrow $55 million for local water infrastructure, recreation facilities, and Narragansett Bay and water quality protection.
    Yes means the state can borrow the money for these environmental projects.
    No means the state cannot borrow the money for these projects.
  • Historical Center and Cultural Grants Bond ($50 million). Borrow $50 million to build a new State History Center and give matching grants for historic and cultural sites.
    Yes means the state can borrow the money for the history center and grants.
    No means the state cannot borrow the money for these projects.

Protect the Vote

  • Apply to be a poll worker and support free and fair elections.
  • Watch the count. Take a training to learn how to observe the polls.
  • If anyone tries to stop you from voting or something at your polling place seems wrong:
    • Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
    • Call 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish
    • Call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Asian languages
    • Call 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic
    • If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
    • If your name isn’t on the list, ask for a provisional ballot.
    • Know your rights

Organizations to Support

  • Progreso Latino. Central Falls nonprofit serving Latino and immigrant families, including citizenship classes and immigration help.
  • Center for Southeast Asians. Providence nonprofit offering benefits help, translation and services for Southeast Asian and other immigrant families.

Anti-Racism Daily will never tell you who to vote for and does not endorse candidates. Information here has been pulled from the internet and may be inaccurate. Please fact-check your sources. If you spot a mistake, please let us know so we can fix it.

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