Three Ways To Vote (choose one of these)
• Vote by mail
• Vote early until September 8
• Vote on Wednesday, September 9
There is only one local contest on the Primary ballot, and that is the local Democratic Party primary for Representative in General Assembly District 36
Links to District 36 candidates’ websites in this post.
The local candidates profiled in this post are individuals with the skills and dedication to act in the best interests of all the citizens of our town. They will do the hard work to protect our environment, safeguard our rural character, and keep our tax rate as one of the lowest in Rhode Island.
When: Saturday, August 15 from 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Rocky Neck State Park ( 244 West Main Street (Route 156), Niantic (East Lyme), CT )
and
When: Sunday, August 16 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Scarborough North State Beach ( 870 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI )
The New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study team is popping up again with very short notice in Narragansett, RI and in Connecticut.
When: Thursday, August 6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Ninigret Park at the New Pavilion
With less than 48 hours notice before the event, a notice went up on the Town of Charlestown’s web site and Facebook page that Amtrak would be conducting this pop-up event. No notice was sent by Amtrak to the many residents who have signed up to be notified via the study email list.
Charlestown voters passed the referendum to allow the use of land in Charlestown for a new, unified elementary school for all students in Pre-K through Grade 5 from Hopkinton, Richmond, and Charlestown on the site of the current elementary school at 363 Carolina Back Road (Rt. 112).
If you think an out of town trip, or any other reason may stop you from voting in the September 9 Rhode Island Primary, consider ordering a mail ballot for that primary election. Plus, information on the Representative in General Assembly District 36 Democratic Primary in Charlestown.
When: Tuesday, August 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Charlestown Town Hall, 4540 South County Trail
Who: Anyone registered to vote in the town of Charlestown
What: Charlestown referendum on whether to allow the use of land in Charlestown for a new, unified elementary school for all students in Pre-K through Grade 5 from Hopkinton, Richmond, and Charlestown on the site of the current elementary school at 363 Carolina Back Road (Rt. 112)
The August 4 referendum is about the school site, not the school bond, and is only for Charlestown voters.
The August 4 referendum is just for Charlestown voters to give permission for the Chariho Regional School District to demolish the Charlestown Elementary School and build a new facility for use by the pre-k to fifth-grade students from all three towns if the November referendum to fund the new school bond passes district-wide. Video of the hearing, with highlights of the video content, in this post.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Barbara Heavers, a woman whose devotion to conservation, agriculture, science, education, and public service has left a lasting and beautiful legacy for Charlestown and all of South County.
Thank you to everyone who gave up a part of a summer day to visit us at the Charlestown Mini Super and sign 7 different nomination papers for the Independent candidates the Charlestown Citizens Alliance is supporting in the November election. Thank you especially to the Mini Super for generously allowing us to set up our nomination papers in front of the store!
Please join us on Wednesday, July 8 anytime from 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Charlestown Mini Super and help CCA endorsed candidates get on the November ballot.
Where: Charlestown Mini Super, 4071 Old Post Rd. (map in post)
When: Wednesday, July 8 from 1 pm to 3 pm
What: If you are registered to vote in Charlestown, all we need is your signature on the candidates’ nomination papers. These candidates will be volunteering their time for the next two years or longer, please take a few minutes of your own time to help them get started.
Please join us on Sunday, July 5 anytime from 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Charlestown Mini Super and help CCA endorsed candidates get on the November ballot.
Where: Charlestown Mini Super, 4071 Old Post Rd. (map in post)
When: Sunday, July 5 from 1 pm to 3 pm
UPDATE: Monday and Tuesday are now forecast to have rain. We were planning to collect signatures all three days, but we are likely to get rained out those two days. Please come on Sunday if you can. We will stay late if necessary.
What: If you are registered to vote in Charlestown, all we need is your signature on the candidates’ nomination papers. These candidates will be volunteering their time for the next two years or longer, please take a few minutes of your own time to help them get started.
Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) is pleased to announce the names of the outstanding candidates we will support in the 2026 election. The steering committee reviewed all the declared local candidates and found these talented individuals embody CCA’s guiding principles of protection of our natural environment, civility, inclusiveness, consensus, and fiscal responsibility. They are individuals with the skills and dedication to act in the best interests of all the citizens of the town.
The New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study includes a website that allows the public to sign up for the study’s mailing list and optionally to provide input to Amtrak about the study. Links to sign up and comment are in this post.
Town Charter Amendments—Which Should You Approve Or Reject? What is the Town Charter? It starts with “We the people of the Town of Charlestown, in order to secure for […]
CCA 2026 Platform for Charlestown Our Economy – Our Environment – Our Future The Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA)* is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life for all Charlestown […]
In early June, Amtrak launched a website that allows the public to sign up for the study’s mailing list and provide input. Included is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Amtrak says the website will be enlarged as the study progresses and more information becomes available.
Cynthia is a journalist who for more than a decade covered Charlestown, Richmond, Hopkinton, the Chariho Regional School District, and local science and environment issues. She has a Master of Marine Affairs degree from URI with advanced studies in ocean science and policy, ocean law, and resource economics, providing her with a deep understanding of the issues our town faces. Cynthia will apply her professional and academic experience to environmental conservation, protecting Charlestown’s coastline, and protecting our town from over development.
Sasha is a Registered Nurse who was raised in Charlestown, is a Chariho graduate, and has spent much of her life learning from the rich history and scenic beauty of our region. Sasha hopes to contribute to new generational involvement in preserving the precious resources of Charlestown, to maintain our town as a vibrant community, and to recognize the needs of community members. She aims to honor the legacy of public service started by her grandfather who was a member of the Town Council, Planning Commission, and Recreational Association.
Having served 9 years on the Town Council, Bonnie views the protection of our natural resources as critical for our economy. As a Town Councilor she has championed protecting the local environment, including our dark skies, and safeguarding our rural community with its low taxes. She advocates for inclusive recreational opportunities throughout our town. A former director of the Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory, Bonnie works in publishing and has a BA in Economics.
Coleen is a small business owner, professional comedian, motivational speaker and former special education teacher who is committed to preserving Charlestown’s natural resources, history and character. She believes that it is possible to focus on preservation and work with all parties to find solutions that will best serve our community as a whole as we grow. Coleen contends that even though she has traveled all over the world, Charlestown is truly the most wonderful place she has ever been.
Ruth currently serves on Planning, has a BS degree in Biology, and a long career in science and technology. Her work in land conservation led to the preservation of most of the public open space in our town. She is an invaluable leader in the effort to stop the federal plan to bisect northern Charlestown with new rail lines, in the fight for local control of land-use decisions, and in the protection of our groundwater. We need Ruth’s knowledge and experience on the Planning Commission to continue to protect our environment, our economy, and our quality of life.
Frances is a Natural Science Illustrator, fine artist, educator and naturalist. She has both a Bachelor of Science in Geography with Botany and Zoology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She has served on the Charlestown Planning Commission for 12 years where she has demonstrated her work ethic, eloquent writing skills, and impressive knowledge of the local environment. Frances is a past member of the Conservation Commission and volunteers for the RI Wild Plant Society and other groups and has lived here for 24 years.
The Moraine Preserve features hiking trails through the Mountain laurel, bringing the blossoms up close. It is an absolutely gorgeous experience just off Route 1. It is at its peak this week, so don’t wait, but pick a time of day when you can tolerate the heat.
Gordon is a retired pharmaceutical executive who believes strongly in local control of planning and zoning, and believes the town should do all it can to educate the legislature and governor about the importance of protecting Charlestown’s irreplaceable natural resources. Gordon’s impressive history of leadership, his education in science, his experience as a member of a zoning board, and his commitment to Charlestown’s natural resources will make him an excellent member of the Charlestown Planning Commission.
David has a BS in Business Administration and has been a founder and executive officer of national supply chain management corporations. He was elected Town Moderator in 2024 where he has facilitated respectful, thoughtful dialogue at each meeting he has chaired. His background, character, education and experience have made him an excellent Town Moderator. The Budget Public Hearings need David’s ability to chair complex meetings, his skills to assure the debate is open, and his broad knowledge of the major underlying issues.
Holly is both an education and engineering professional. She has worked for over 14 years as a teacher as well as having a professional engineering career since 1988. She has a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MA in Education and has been an advocate and mentor for science, mathematics, and technical education. Besides her service on the School Committee, Holly volunteered for many years in leadership positions at Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, working to protect Charlestown’s star filled skies.
A new state legislative commission will study ways to evaluate, plan for, and limit the impacts of new housing developments on public water supplies and watersheds in rural areas under legislation sponsored by Richmond Representative Megan L. Cotter and approved by the RI House on June 8, 2026.
Craig, a US Army and RI National Guard Veteran, has lived his entire life in South County. He studied History and Plant Sciences at URI. Now retired, he worked for URI for over 40 years. As a member of the Chariho School Committee for 11 years, Craig has been instrumental in the positive direction Chariho has taken, with Chariho High School being ranked among the top 10 schools in the state. Craig believes Chariho should continue striving for excellence, while balancing the costs and needs of students.
Linda has a BS and MS in Special Education and has been a dedicated educator and instructional leader for 34 years. As a member of the Chariho School Committee for the last eight years, she has worked on behalf of each Chariho student and their family to ensure that the student acquires the 21st century skills needed to be an accomplished individual in this global society. She strives to provide relevant learning environments and outcomes for every student while operating in a fiscally responsible manner.
