Rhode Island mail-in voting: What to know

As the United States draws nearer to a presidential election in the midst of a deadly pandemic, many states have adjusted how they are holding their elections to minimize in-person contact at the polls, including Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea announced in September that her office would send absentee ballot applications to all voters. The state also removed the requirement for a voter to fill out their ballot in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABSENTEE VOTING AND UNIVERSAL VOTE-BY-MAIL? 

Registered voters can request an application online, in person at a local board of canvassers, or call and request one to be sent in the mail. The deadline for submitting the application is Oct. 13.

Rhode Island currently allows anyone to apply for a mail-in ballot if they “may not be able to get to the polls on Election Day,” and they do not have to provide a reason.

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People who missed the deadline can apply for an emergency mail ballot from their local board of canvassers within 20 days of the election. If their request is granted, they will receive the emergency ballot and an envelope, which they must return to the board of canvassers.

The deadline for mail ballots to be received by the state board of elections is 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.