How to Vote By Mail In The November 3 Election

The deadline to apply for a mail ballot for the November 3 general election is October 13.

If you think an out-of-town trip, bad weather, or any other reason may stop you from voting in the 2026 general election, consider ordering a mail ballot. Or if you simply enjoy the convenience of voting by mail, the reason “I choose to vote by mail” is an allowed reason to request a mail ballot.

You can request a mail ballot online at https://mailballot.sos.ri.gov/ (scroll to the bottom of that page and click on the blue box that says “Click here to request your mail ballot.”)

After submitting your request online, you will receive a mail ballot packet by U.S. mail that will contain your ballot, instructions, voter’s certificate and the required envelope to return your voted ballot.

You can return your ballot by mail, but make sure there is plenty of time for it to be received by November 3. Or if you are in Charlestown, you can place your mail ballot in the special ballot box outside Town Hall anytime between October 14 and November 3, 2026.

Bonnie Van Slyke, the author of this post, is a candidate for Town Council in the November 3 election. Bonnie currently serves on the Town Council, having been elected five times. She served previously as treasurer and a director of the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center for seven years and has a BA in Economics. She has devoted years working to protect the environment and our precious natural resources and believes growth must be carefully planned, sustainable, and consistent with our rural character and heritage. For that to happen, the State needs to return control of land-use decisions to the town and recognize the value of our irreplaceable resources. You can learn more about Bonnie on her profile page.