Rhode Island
guide for candidates
Run for
Ofce Guide
401-222-2340
vote.ri.gov
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VOTEVOTE VOTE
Gregg M. Amore
Secretary of State
This guide was produced by
the Rhode Island Department of State
2024
Dear Potential Candidate,
I applaud your interest in serving the public as an elected ofcial.
As a former history and civics teacher, I taught students for
many years about the importance of being civically engaged,
and this is one of the most important principles I bring with
me into my role as Secretary of State. Participating in our
democracy – whether as a voter, candidate, or elected ofcial –
is an essential part of civic engagement.
This digital guide contains all of the information you will need to
run for ofce in the September primary and November general
election, including ling deadlines and contact information for
your local election ofcials.
We are happy to provide a hard copy of the guide upon request.
If you need additional information, please contact our Elections
Division at 401-222-2340, TTY 711 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Gregg M. Amore
Secretary of State
Table of Contents
Important Candidate Deadlines ........................................................... 4
Ballot Access Process for Independent and
Third-Party Presidential Candidates .................................................... 5
Eligibility to Run for Ofce
.................................................................... 6
Disafliation
......................................................................................... 7
Filing a Declaration of Candidacy
....................................................8-9
Endorsements
.............................................................................. 10-11
Nomination Papers
........................................................................12-13
Withdrawal of Candidacy
................................................................. 14
Ballot Placement - Primary
.......................................................... 15-16
Ballot Placement - General Election
.................................................. 16
Election Day Activities
........................................................................ 17
Campaign Finance
............................................................................. 17
2024 Campaign Finance Calendar
...............................................18-19
Ethics Commission Filing
................................................................... 20
Contact Information:
Local Boards of Canvassers
.............................................................. 21
State Elections and Political Party Ofces
......................................... 22
United States Postal Service (USPS)
.............................................. 22
Additional Information:
Department of State’s Website
.......................................................... 22
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 4
NOTE: The determinations in this booklet are a matter
of interpretation and are intended solely as a guide.
They do not constitute ofcial interpretation of state law.
All statutory references are to Title 17 of the General
Laws, 1956, as amended, as of December 31, 2023.
Important Candidate Deadlines
March 26, 27, and 28 Deadline for candidates to disafliate from their political party to run as a
candidate from another party. Deadline depends on the date a candidate
les Declaration of Candidacy.
May 25, 26, and 27 Deadline for candidates to register to vote in order to be able to run for
ofce. Deadline depends on the date a candidate les Declaration of
Candidacy.
June 24, 25, and 26 Period for candidates to le Declaration of Candidacy.
June 27 Deadline for endorsements to be led for local and state candidates.
June 28 Deadline for endorsements to be led for federal candidates.
July 2 Date candidates may pick up their nomination papers.
July 12 Deadline all candidates (except independent presidential electors) must
submit nomination papers to local boards of canvassers.
July 15 Deadline for candidates for local ofce to le withdrawals of candidacy.
July 19 Ballot placement lottery for primary and general election.
July 19 Deadline for candidates for federal or state ofce to le withdrawals of
candidacy.
September 6 Deadline presidential electors for independent presidential candidates
must submit nomination papers to local boards of canvassers.
September 10 PARTY PRIMARIES
September 13 Ballot placement lottery for independent presidential candidates.
November 5 GENERAL ELECTION
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 5
Ballot Access Process for Independent and
Third-Party Presidential Candidates
Declaration of Candidacy – Presidential Electors
Up to four (4) registered Rhode Island voters seeking to become the presidential electors of an independent presidential
candidate may
le a Declaration of Candidacy form provided by the Department of State Elections Division during the last
consecutive Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in June of the presidential election year. Each elector must file a
separate Declaration of Candidacy form. [RIGL §17-14-1] and [RICR-20-00-1]
Filing Dates: June 24, 25, and 26, 2024 Filing Deadline: June 26, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Authorization to Run as an Elector
During the period for ling declarations of candidacy, the independent presidential candidate, or, in the case where
the name of the presidential candidate has not yet been determined, the independent political organization, must le
a statement with the Department of State Elections Division indicating the names and addresses of the individual(s)
approved by the presidential candidate or organization, as the case may be, to be the candidate(s) for presidential
electors for the presidential candidate and/or political organization. [RICR-20-00-1]
Filing Dates: June 24, 25, and 26, 2024 Filing Deadline: June 26, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Pick up nomination papers
Nomination papers will be prepared by the Department of State Elections Division. Each nomination paper shall contain
the names and addresses of all candidates qualied and approved to be an independent presidential elector for the
respective independent organization and/or presidential candidate. Candidates can pick up nominations papers at the
Department of State Elections Division, 148 W. River St., Providence, RI. Persons other than candidates picking up
nomination papers must have written authorization from the candidate. [RIGL §17-14-4(a)(c)]
You may pick up your nomination papers on July 2nd.
Number of signers required on nomination papers
Presidential electors for independent or third party presidential candidates must obtain one thousand (1,000) valid
signatures to qualify for ballot placement. [RIGL §17-14-7]
Deadline to submit nomination papers
Presidential electors for independent presidential candidates submit nomination papers to local boards of canvassers.
Nomination papers must be submitted on or before the 60th day before the general election. [RIGL §17-14-11]
Deadline: September 6 by 4:00 p.m.
Deadline to certify names of party and independent presidential candidates.
If the presidential electors qualify for ballot placement, the independent candidate, or an authorized representative from
the third party should certify to the Department of State Elections Division the names of their candidate for President and
Vice President. [RIGL §17-14-12]
Deadline: September 12 by 4:00 p.m.
Ballot placement lottery
The Department of State Elections Division shall conduct a lottery to determine ballot placement of presidential electors
for independent presidential candidates for the general election ballots. Lottery will be conducted at the Department of
State Elections Division, 148 W. River St., Providence, RI. [RICR-20-00-1]
Date of ballot placement lottery: September 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 6
!
Deadline to register to vote in order to run for ofce
is no later than Monday, May 27th.
Eligibility to Run for Ofce
You must be a registered voter in Rhode Island and live within the district for the ofce you seek*. See chart
below for other requirements.
Ofce Age State Residence U.S. Citizen Years in Term # of Terms
President 35 N/A
14 years - yes,
natural born
4 2
Vice President 35 N/A
14 years - yes,
natural born
4 no limit
Presidential Elector 18 30 days yes N/A no limit
U.S. Senator 30 yes 9 years 6 no limit
U.S. Representative* 25 yes 7 years 2 no limit
State Senator 18 30 days yes 2 no limit
State Representative 18 30 days yes 2 no limit
Local Ofces 18 30 days in district yes
Check with Local Board of Canvassers
* Candidates for U.S. Representative must live in Rhode Island, not necessarily the district in which they are running.
Party Eligibility
Afliated candidates:
If you plan on running as a party candidate, you must be a member of that particular party (Democrat or Republican) or
unafliated at the time of ling your Declaration of Candidacy.
Independent/unafliated candidates:
You are eligible to le a Declaration of Candidacy as an independent (also known as unafliated) candidate if, at the time of
ling the Declaration of Candidacy, you are qualied to vote in the election within the district for the ofce which you seek.
The following chart may help you understand your options:
You are eligible to run as a:
If you are registered as a: Democrat Republican Independent
Democrat
Republican
Independent
Yes
No*
Yes
No*
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
* If you belong to one party and want to run as a candidate for another party, you must change your party
at least 90 days prior to the date you will le your Declaration of Candidacy. You must le a disafliation
no later than March 28th.
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 7
Disafliation
What is disafliation?
When you no longer wish to be a member of a particular political party, you must sign a form to “disafliate” from that
party. Forms are available at the local boards of canvassers. You can also disafliate at vote.ri.gov.
Do I have to disafliate?
If you want to run as a candidate for a party other than the one to which you are registered, the following chart may help
you understand your ling options:
Are you required to disafliate if you wish to run as a:
If you are registered as a: Democrat Republican No Labels Independent
Democrat
Republican
No Labels
Independent
No
Yes
Yes
No*
Yes
No
Yes
No*
Yes
Yes
No
No*
No
No
No
No
* By declaring to be a candidate in a primary you will then become a member of that party.
When is the deadline to disafliate?
If you le your Declaration of Candidacy on: You must le your disafliation, if necessary, no later than:
June 24th
June 25th
June 26th
March 26th
March 27th
March 28th
Where can I disafliate?
You must disafliate with the local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where you are registered to vote.
You can disafliate at vote.ri.gov or you can le your disafliation by completing a new voter registration form, keeping in
mind that a mailed registration form must be received by the above deadlines.
!
Deadline to le a disafliation is
March 28th.
!
You must disafliate at least 90 days before you le your Declaration of Candidacy.
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 8
Filing a Declaration of Candidacy
Declaration of Candidacy:
The Declaration of Candidacy is the document you sign to start the process of becoming a candidate. You “declare”
yourself as a candidate for a particular ofce and if you wish to run as a party candidate, you also “declare” yourself to be a
member of that party.
Do I need to le a Declaration of Candidacy to run for ofce?
Yes. All candidates for all public and party ofces must le a Declaration of Candidacy.
Where do I get a Declaration of Candidacy form?
The Declaration of Candidacy form is available on our website at vote.ri.gov.
The Declaration of Candidacy form is also available at:
› Department of State Elections Division at 148 W. River St., Providence, RI.
› Local Board of Canvassers in each city and town. See addresses on page 21.
How do I le my Declaration of Candidacy form?
Complete the form online and print it out. You must then sign it and deliver or mail the form. The form must be received by
4:00 p.m. on June 26th.
Where do I le my Declaration of Candidacy form?
Candidates for: File your Declaration of Candidacy at:
Federal Public Ofce:
Independent Presidential Electors
Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress
Department of State Elections Division,
148 W. River St., Providence, RI.
State Public Ofce:
Senator in General Assembly, Representative in General
Assembly
Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where
you are registered to vote.
Local Public Ofce* :
Mayor/Town Administrator
Council
School Committee
Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where
you are registered to vote.
State Party Committee Ofce:
Senatorial District Committee
Representative District Committee
Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where
you are registered to vote.
Local Party Committee Ofce:
City/Town/Ward Committee
Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where
you are registered to vote.
* Contact your local Board of Canvassers for a full listing of local public ofces in your city/town.
!
Declarations of Candidacy must contain original signatures. Your completed form cannot be
faxed or emailed.
!
Your Declaration of Candidacy must be
led on June 24th, 25th, or 26th.
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 9
Can I le a Declaration of Candidacy form for more than one ofce?
You cannot le a Declaration of Candidacy for more than one public, state or local ofce in a primary or election.
However, if you le for a state or local public ofce, you can still le for state or local party ofces. Party ofces are ofces
elected in a primary. You must le a separate Declaration of Candidacy for every ofce you seek.
Example: You may le a Declaration of Candidacy as a Democrat for representative in General Assembly and another Declaration
of Candidacy as a Democrat for Democratic representative district committee.
You can le a Declaration of Candidacy for more than one state or local party ofce.
Example: You can le a Declaration of Candidacy for Democratic senatorial district committee and le a Declaration of Candidacy
for Democrat town committee.
Additionally, you may NOT le for the same ofce under different party labels.
Example: You may NOT le a Declaration of Candidacy for senator in General Assembly as a Democrat and le a Declaration of
Candidacy for senator in General Assembly as an independent/unafliated candidate.
If I am an independent/unafliated voter, and le a Declaration of Candidacy as a party candidate, does that
automatically make me a member of that party?
Yes.
Example: If you are an independent/unafliated voter and le a Declaration of Candidacy as a Democrat, you are automatically
registered as a member of the Democratic Party. Filing a Declaration of Candidacy is sufcient to bind you to that party even if you
do not circulate nomination papers or you do not vote in the primary.
!
If a voter les a Declaration of Candidacy for more than one state or local public ofce
during the declaration period, the last declaration led shall negate any previous lings.
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 10
Endorsements
What is an endorsement?
This is the process whereby party ofcials designate their preferred candidate(s) representing their party in a primary, and
if no primary, in the general election.
Who makes the endorsements and where are they led?
It depends on the ofce for which you are running. The following chart should help:
For the ofce of: Endorsement
by:
Endorsements are
led at:
Required
signatures
Deadline
to be led
Senator in Congress,
Representative in Congress
State Committee Department of State
Elections Division
See RIGL 17-12-4 Not later than
June 28th
Senator in General
Assembly*
Senatorial District
Committee
Local Board of
Canvassers where
endorsed candidate
resides
A majority of the
members of the
committee
Not later than
June 27th
Senatorial District
Committee*
Senatorial District
Committee
Local Board of
Canvassers where
endorsed Senate
candidate resides
A majority of the
members of the
committee
Not later than
June 27th
Representative in General
Assembly*
Representative
District Committee
Local Board of
Canvassers where
endorsed candidate
resides
A majority of the
members of the
committee
Not later than
June 27th
Representative District
Committee*
Representative
District Committee
Local Board
of Canvassers
where endorsed
Representative
candidate resides
A majority of the
members of the
committee
Not later than
June 27th
Local Ofces,
City/Town/Ward Committee
City/Town/Ward
Committee
Local Board of
Canvassers
Three ofcers of
the committee
Not later than
June 27
i
* For Providence only: Endorsements of candidates for senator in General Assembly, representative in General
Assembly and senatorial or representative district committee in the City of Providence must be led at the
Department of State Elections Division, 148 W. River St., Providence, RI.
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 11
What happens if I am the endorsed candidate for a public ofce?
If you are the endorsed candidate for a public ofce such as senator in General Assembly or town council, you will be
issued nomination papers and you must submit the required number of valid signatures in order to qualify to be on the
ballot.
What happens if I am the endorsed candidate for a party ofce?
If you are the endorsed candidate for a party ofce such as representative district committee or town committee, you do
not need to gather signatures. The ling of the endorsement by the particular committee is sufcient to nominate you to
the party ofce.
What happens if I am unendorsed as a party candidate for public ofce?
If you are an unendorsed candidate for a public ofce such as senator in General Assembly or town council, you will be
issued nomination papers and you must submit the required number of valid signatures in order to qualify to be on the
ballot.
What happens if I am unendorsed as a party candidate for a party committee ofce?
If you are an unendorsed candidate for a party ofce such as representative district committee or town committee, you will
be issued nomination papers and you must submit the required number of valid signatures in order to qualify to be on the
ballot.
Candidates for: Endorsed: Not endorsed:
Federal Public Ofce:
Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress
Candidates need nomination
papers
Candidates need nomination
papers
State Public Ofce:
Senator in General Assembly, Representative in
General Assembly
Candidates need nomination
papers
Candidates need nomination
papers
Local Public Ofce:
Mayor/Town Administrator
Council
School Committee
Candidates need nomination
papers
Candidates need nomination
papers
State Party Committee Ofce:
Senatorial District Committee
Representative District Committee
Candidates do not need
nomination papers
Candidates need nomination
papers
Local Party Committee Ofce:
City/Town/Ward Committee
Candidates do not need
nomination papers
Candidates need nomination
papers
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 12
Nomination Papers
What are nomination papers?
Nomination papers are the forms on which you will obtain valid signatures, that is, signatures of registered voters who are
eligible to vote for the ofce that you are seeking. In order to be on the ballot, you will need to obtain a specied number of
valid signatures on your nomination papers.
Who needs nomination papers?
All candidates for federal, state, and local public ofce need nomination papers.
The only candidates who do NOT need nomination papers are ENDORSED candidates for party ofces
(i.e. state, district, city, town, or ward committees). However, UNENDORSED candidates for state, district, city, town, or
ward committees MUST gather signatures on nomination papers.
How many signatures are required on nomination papers in order to qualify?
If you are running for: Number of valid signatures required:
Independent Presidential Electors
Senator in Congress
Representative in Congress
1,000
1,000
500
Senator in General Assembly
Representative in General Assembly
Senate and Representative
District Committees (Unendorsed only)
100
50
50
Local Ofces Check with your local Board of Canvassers.
When and where do I pick up my nomination papers?
You may pick up your nomination papers on July 2nd.
Independent presidential electors and candidates for Senator and Representative in Congress:
You must obtain your nomination papers from the Department of State Elections Division,
148 W. River St., Providence, RI.
All other ofces:
(Senator in General Assembly, Representative in General Assembly, party ofces and local ofces except for Providence.)
You must obtain your nomination papers from the local Board of Canvassers where you led your Declaration of
Candidacy, except for Providence.
Providence Candidates only:
(Senator in General Assembly, Representative in General Assembly, or senatorial or representative district committee in the City of
Providence.)
You must obtain your nomination papers from the Department of State Elections Division,
148 W. River St., Providence, RI.
!
Anyone other than candidates picking up
nomination papers from the Department of
State Elections Division must have written
authorization from the candidate.
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 13
Who can sign my nomination papers?
ANY registered voter who is eligible to vote for the ofce for which you seek election.
Example: A voter who is registered in the First Congressional District can sign your nomination papers if you are running
for the ofce of Representative in Congress in District 1, but that voter cannot sign your nomination papers if you are
running for the ofce of Representative in Congress in District 2.
Does the signer have to be a member of the same political party listed on the nomination paper?
The voter DOES NOT need to be a member of the political party listed on the nomination paper.
Example: A registered Democrat can sign the nomination papers of a Democratic candidate, Republican candidate, or an
independent/unafliated candidate.
Does it make a difference which of my papers a voter signs?
Yes. At the top of each nomination paper there is a space for you to indicate the city/town in which the signers are
registered voters.
Example: A registered voter in Providence must sign a nomination paper that lists “Providence” at the top of the paper.
This is the paper that you will return to the Providence Board of Canvassers. The Providence Board of Canvassers
will certify signatures on this paper. If a Cranston voter signs a Providence nomination paper, that signature will not be
certied since the nomination paper will be reviewed only by the Providence Board of Canvassers.
If a voter signs a nomination paper of a party candidate, does that automatically make the voter a member of that
party?
No. The act of signing nomination papers does not make the voter a member of that political party.
How many papers can a person sign?
There is no restriction on the number of nomination papers a person can sign for federal and state candidates. However,
your signature can only be counted once for each candidate.
When and where do I return my nomination papers?
Nomination papers for: Must be returned by: Must be returned to:
All candidates (except independent
presidential electors)
July 12th at 4 p.m. Local Board of Canvassers in
the city or town listed at the
top of the nomination paper
Independent presidential electors September 6th at 4 p.m. Local Board of Canvassers in
the city or town listed at the
top of the nomination paper
How do I know if I qualied for ballot placement?
Candidates for federal, state, and local ofce can check our website at vote.ri.gov. As certied nomination papers are
received from the local boards of canvassers, we will enter the number of valid signatures for each candidate into our
database. This information will be updated in real time during the nomination paper certication process (July 2nd
through July 18th) with the nal posting available on July 19th after the ballot placement lottery.
!
Signers on a nomination paper must be
from the city or town listed at the top of the
nomination paper.
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 14
Withdrawal of Candidacy
If I le a Declaration of Candidacy, can I decide not to run?
Yes, but you must le a withdrawal of candidacy.
When and where do I le a withdrawal of candidacy?
If you led as a: File a withdrawal by: File a withdrawal with:
Party or independent/unafliated candidate for
local ofce
Not later than July 15th Local Board of Canvassers
where you led your
Declaration of Candidacy
Party nominee or independent/unafliated
candidate for federal or state ofce
Not later than July 19th Department of State
Elections Division
Independent presidential electors Not later than
September 13th
Department of State
Elections Division
Can I withdraw if I am the party’s nominee for the ofce that I am seeking?
Yes. If you are the party’s nominee for the ofce that you are seeking (i.e. you are the candidate that will appear on the
November ballot for your party) you can withdraw.
Keep in mind that you have to withdraw by September 13th in order for the party to name another candidate to ll the
vacancy.
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 15
Ballot Placement - Primary
Will there be a primary for the ofce that I am seeking?
A primary is necessary when two or more individuals from the same political party qualify for ballot placement for the same
ofce.
There will be no primary for the ofce you seek if: (1) no one else led a valid Declaration of Candidacy as a party
candidate from the same party for the same ofce that you are seeking; (2) no one else led timely nomination papers
containing the requisite number of signatures for the same ofce that you are seeking under the same political party; or
(3) the other candidate(s) who qualied for the same ofce under the same political party withdrew according to state law.
In primaries where the voter casts a vote for more than one candidate for an ofce, there is no primary when the number
of candidates qualied for ballot placement equals or is less than the number to be elected.
Example: In a town council race where the voters are allowed to vote for any ve candidates, there is no primary when the
number of candidates from the same political party qualied for ballot placement is ve or less.
If I run as a candidate for public ofce, when does my name appear on the primary ballot?
Names of federal, state, and local candidates for public ofce where there is a primary appear on the
September 10th primary ballot.
Please note that the names of unopposed party candidates for federal and state ofce also appear on the primary ballot.
However, when there is no primary opposition for the ofce you are seeking, you are automatically the nominee of your
party for said public ofce and your name will also appear on the November ballot.
Names of unopposed party candidates for local ofce do not appear on the primary ballot.
If I run as a candidate for a party ofce, when does my name appear on the ballot?
Party ofces are elected at the time of the primary being held for the party. For example, senatorial and representative
district committees will be elected on September 10th.
In elections for party ofces where the voter casts a vote for more than one candidate for an ofce (i.e. vote for any
ve members of a senatorial district committee), there is no election when the number of candidates qualied for ballot
placement equals or is less than the number to be elected. In this case, party ofce candidates are automatically elected to
the positions and their names do not appear on the ballot.
How will my name appear on the primary ballot?
Your name will be printed on the ballot as it appears on the voting list. On the declaration of candidacy form, there is
a section at the bottom for you to clearly print how your name should appear. You should include any capitalization,
punctuation, spaces, and sufx in the spelling of your name. You also have the option to abbreviate or omit your middle
name.
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 16
How is my ballot placement determined if I am a candidate in a primary?
The endorsed candidate for each federal, state, and local ofce will appear rst directly under the title of ofce that is
being sought and will have an asterisk (*) next to their name. For local ofces where there is more than one endorsed
candidate, the names of the endorsed candidates shall be listed in the order in which they were certied to the
Department of State Elections Division by the local Board of Canvassers.
The unendorsed candidate or candidates for federal and state ofces will follow on the ballot. If there is more than one
unendorsed candidate, they will be listed on the ballot in the order chosen by a lottery conducted by the Department of
State Elections Division.
The unendorsed candidate or candidates for local ofces will be listed in alphabetical order following the name or names
of the endorsed candidate or candidates.
When are the lotteries conducted for ballot placement for the primary?
The Department of State Elections Division will conduct a lottery on July 19th at 5 p.m., at 148 W. River St., Providence,
RI, to determine ballot placement for unendorsed federal and state party candidates for primary ballots.
Ballot Placement - General Election
How will my name appear on the general election ballot?
Your name will be printed on the ballot as it appears on the voting list. On the Declaration of Candidacy form, there is
a section at the bottom for you to clearly print how your name should appear. You should include any capitalization,
punctuation, spaces, and sufx in the spelling of your name. You also have the option to abbreviate or omit your middle
name. Party candidates will be listed on the ballot along with the name of their political party. Independent/unafliated
candidates will be listed on the ballot along with the name of their “political principle, movement, or organization” in
small print or the word “Independent” when no “political principle, movement, or organization” is listed on the candidate’s
Declaration of Candidacy.
How is my ballot placement determined if I am a candidate in the general election?
The order in which the political parties appear on the general election ballot is determined by a lottery conducted by the
Department of State Elections Division. The order in which federal and state independent/unafliated candidates appear
on the ballot beneath the party candidates is also determined by a lottery conducted by the Department of State Elections
Division. For local public ofces the city/town selects the method of ballot placement.
When are the lotteries conducted for ballot placement for the general election?
The Department of State Elections Division will conduct a lottery on July 19th at 5 p.m. at 148 W. River St., Providence,
RI, to determine ballot placement of party candidates and federal and state independent/unafliated candidates for the
general election ballots.
The Department of State Elections Division will conduct a lottery on September 13th at 5 p.m. at 148 W. River St.,
Providence, RI, to determine ballot placement of independent presidential candidates for the general election ballot.
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 17
Election Day Activities
Are there any restrictions on activities at the polling places on Election Day?
Rhode Island General Law, Section 17-19-49 currently prohibits the display or distribution of any poster, paper, circular, or
document that would aid, injure, or defeat any candidate for public office or any political party or any question on the
ballot.
This law prohibits such display within the voting place or within
fty (50) feet of the entrance or entrances to the building in
which voting is taking place at any primary or election.
Election ofcials, that is, wardens, moderators, clerks, and bi-partisan supervisors, assigned to a polling place are also
prohibited from displaying or wearing any political party button, badge, or other device that is intended to aid, injure, or
defeat the candidacy of any person for public ofce or any question on the ballot or to intimidate or inuence any voter.
The State Board of Elections has oversight of the conduct of elections at polling places and that ofce should be
contacted if you have any specic questions as to what campaigning is allowed. Their contact information can be found on
page 22.
Campaign Finance
For state and local candidates, Title 17, Chapter 25 of the Rhode Island General Laws entitled “Rhode Island Campaign
Contributions and Expenditures Reporting” governs campaign nance.
The Campaign Finance Division of the State Board of Elections administers this chapter of the Rhode Island General
Laws. The State Board of Elections also promulgates rules and regulations regarding campaign nance.
The Campaign Finance Division provides information relative to campaign nance reporting requirements as well as
information on contribution and expenditure limits and restrictions relative to nancing a campaign.
The Campaign Finance Division will also provide information regarding public nancing of election campaigns of
candidates for statewide general ofces.
For further information regarding campaign nance, contact:
State Board of Elections
2000 Plaineld Pike, Suite A
Cranston, RI 02921
Phone: 401-222-2345
Fax: 401-222-4424
Email: campaign.[email protected]
Website: elections.ri.gov
Federal candidates running for ofce in Rhode Island should contact the Federal Election Commission for campaign
nance requirements.
Federal Election Commission
Phone: 1-800-424-9530
Website: www.fec.gov
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 18
2024 Campaign Finance Calendar
Note: “NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION”
Any candidate for public ofce, as dened in §17-25-3, is required to le a “Notice of Organization” with the
State Board of Elections prior to receiving any contributions or expending any money in the furtherance or aid
of their candidacy or at the time of ling their declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs rst. (Note: Persons
who have a “Notice” on le with the State Board of Elections and who regularly le reports with the Board are
required to le an amended “Notice” whenever there is a change to information therein contained.)
For further information regarding campaign nance requirements, contact:
State Board of Elections
Cranston, RI 02921 Fax: 401-222-4424 Website: www.elections.ri.gov
January 31 (not later than) POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES – TREASURER
Designation of a campaign treasurer by each state and municipal committee of a
political party. [RIGL §17-25-9]
March 1 ANNUAL REPORTS
Each state and municipal committee of a political party must le an annual report
setting forth in the aggregate all contributions received and expenditures made
during the previous calendar year. [RIGL §17-25-7(b)]
April 30 (For reporting period January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024)
QUARTERLY ONGOING REPORTS
Reports are due from candidates, political parties, and political action
committees. [RIGL §17-25-11]
July 31 (For reporting period April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024)
QUARTERLY ONGOING REPORTS
Reports are due from candidates*, political parties, and political action committees.
* New candidates who le their initial “Notice of Organization” during the
declaration period need not le this report. The rst report of contributions
received and expenditures incurred shall be due as follows:
› IF A CANDIDATE IN THE PRIMARY, the report for the period between the
date of declaration and August 12, 2024, shall be due on August 13, 2024.
› IF NOT A CANDIDATE IN THE PRIMARY, the report for the period between
the date of declaration and October 7, 2024, shall be due on October 8, 2024.
[RIGL §17-25-11]
August 13 (For reporting period July 1, 2024 through August 12, 2024)
PRE-PRIMARY REPORTS
On-going candidates, political parties, and political action committees that are
participating in a primary must le reports 28 days prior to the party primaries.
[RIGL §17-25-11(a)(2)]
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 19
September 3 (For reporting period August 13, 2024 through September 2, 2024)
PRE-PRIMARY REPORTS
All candidates, political parties, and political action committees that are
participating in a primary must le reports 7 days prior to the party primaries.
[RIGL §17-25-11(a)(2)]
October 8 PRE-ELECTION REPORTS
Candidates, political parties, and political action committees that are participating
in the election must le reports 28 days prior to the election.
If the candidate, political party, or political action committee:
› PARTICIPATED IN THE PRIMARY (Does not include unsuccessful primary
candidates - See October 8, 2024) the reporting period is September 3, 2024
thru October 7, 2024.
› DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE PRIMARY the reporting period is date of
declarations for new candidates and July 1, 2024 for on-going campaigns
thru October 7, 2024. [RIGL §17-25-11(a)(2)]
October 8 (For reporting period September 3, 2024 thru October 7, 2024)
POST-PRIMARY REPORTS – UNSUCCESSFUL PRIMARY CANDIDATES
All unsuccessful primary candidates must le reports 28 days after the primary.
[RIGL §17-25-11(a)(3)]
October 29 (For reporting period October 8, 2024 thru October 28, 2024)
PRE-ELECTION REPORTS
Candidates, political parties, and political action committees that are participating
in the election must le reports 7 days prior to the election.
[RIGL §17-25-11(a)(2)]
October 31 (For reporting period July 1, 2024 thru September 30, 2024)
QUARTERLY ONGOING REPORTS
Reports are due from candidates, political parties, and political action committees
that are not participating in the September primary or November election.
[RIGL §17-25-11]
December 3 (For reporting period October 29, 2024 thru December 2, 2024)
POST-ELECTION REPORTS
Candidates, political parties, and political action committees that participated in
the election must le reports 28 days after the election. [RIGL §17-25-11(a)(3)]
January 31, 2025 QUARTERLY ONGOING REPORTS
Reports are due from all candidates, political parties, and political action
committees.
If the candidate, political party, or political action committee:
› PARTICIPATED IN THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION the reporting
period is December 3, 2024 thru December 31, 2024.
› WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE PRIMARY the reporting period is October
8, 2024 thru December 31, 2024.
› DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN A PRIMARY OR ELECTION the reporting period
is October 1, 2024 thru December 31, 2024. [RIGL §17-25-11]
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 20
Ethics Commission Filing
All candidates for state or local elected office are REQUIRED to file a financial disclosure statement with the Rhode Island
Ethics Commission, covering the prior calendar year. See [RIGL §36-14-16(c)]. This disclosure must be filed within thirty
(30) days of ling a Notice of Organization (CF-1) or a Declaration of Candidacy, whichever occurs rst. You may request
an extension of time to le of no more than fteen (15) days past the deadline, provided that you make the request to the
Ethics Commission prior to the original ling deadline.
The Ethics Commission’s nancial disclosure form for candidates is different than, and in addition to, any campaign or
candidate-related lings you may be required to make with the State Board of Elections, the Department of State, or your
local Board of Canvassers.
Failure to le this form on time with the Ethics Commission is a violation of the law, and will lead to the imposition of a
substantial ne.
The nancial disclosure form requires the disclosure of, among other things, sources of income and assets, including
those of a spouse and any dependent children. You generally do NOT have to disclose the amount of income you
received or the value of your assets, although candidates for statewide general ofce do disclose ranges of income
amounts. Candidates must also disclose business interests including those in entities that are regulated by, or do
business with, the State of Rhode Island. Additionally, candidates must disclose the name and address of any person,
business or organization (other than a credit card company or the holder of your residential mortgage) which is owed
more than $1,000 by the candidate, a spouse, or dependent child.
How to File
Online: Forms may be completed and submitted online at www.ethics.ri.gov. We strongly recommend online ling
because it is simpler and faster than submitting a hard copy, and we will automatically email you a receipt and copy of
your completed online form. To le online the rst time you must contact the Ethics Commission (401-222-3790) to obtain
a PIN# and I.D.
Hard Copy: If you do not wish to le online, you may obtain a hard copy of the nancial disclosure form and le it via
regular mail or hand delivery to the Ethics Commission ofce. To obtain a copy of the form contact the Ethics Commission.
Rhode Island Ethics Commission
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ethics.ri.gov
Phone: 401-222-3790
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore | 21
Local Boards of Canvassers
Contact Information
*Any mailing MUST be addressed to the attention of “Board of Canvassers”
Barrington Town Hall
283 County Rd. 02806
247-1900 x301
Bristol Town Hall
10 Court St. 02809
253-7000
Burrillville Town Hall
105 Harrisville Main St.
Harrisville 02830
568-4300 x132
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St. 02863
727-7450
Charlestown Town Hall
4540 South County Trl. 02813
364-1200
Coventry Town Hall
1670 Flat River Rd. 02816
822-9150
Cranston City Hall
869 Park Ave. 02910
780-3121
Cumberland Town Hall
45 Broad St. 02864
728-2400
East Greenwich Town Hall
125 Main St.
P.O. Box 111 02818
886-8603
East Providence City Hall
145 Taunton Ave. 02914
435-7502
Exeter Town Hall
675 Ten Rod Rd. 02822
294-2287
Foster Town Hall
181 Howard Hill Rd. 02825
392-9200 x116
Glocester Town Hall
1145 Putnam Pike
P.O. Drawer B, Chepachet 02814
568-6206 x0
Hopkinton Town Hall
1 Town House Rd. 02833
377-7777
Jamestown Town Hall
93 Narragansett Ave. 02835
423-9801
Johnston Town Hall
1385 Hartford Ave. 02919
553-8856
Lincoln Town Hall
100 Old River Rd.
P.O. Box 100 02865
333-1140
Little Compton Town Hall
40 Commons
P.O. Box 226 02837
635-4400
Middletown Town Hall
350 East Main Rd. 02842
849-5540
Narragansett Town Hall
25 Fifth Ave. 02882
782-0625
Newport City Hall
43 Broadway 02840
845-5384
New Shoreham Town Hall
16 Old Town Rd.
P.O. Box 220 02807
466-3200
North Kingstown Town Hall
100 Fairway Dr. 02852
268-1552
North Providence Town Hall
2000 Smith St. 02911
232-0900 x1230
North Smitheld Town Hall
83 Greene St. 02896
767-2200 x326
Pawtucket City Hall
137 Roosevelt Ave. 02860
722-1637
Portsmouth Town Hall
2200 East Main Rd. 02871
683-3157
Providence City Hall
25 Dorrance St. Rm. 102 02903
421-0495
Richmond Town Hall
5 Richmond Townhouse Rd.
Wyoming 02898
539-9000 x9
Scituate Town Hall
195 Danielson Pike
P.O. Box 328, N. Scituate 02857
647-7466
Smitheld Town Hall
64 Farnum Pike, 02917
233-1000 x116
South Kingstown Town Hall
180 High St.
Wakeeld 02879
789-9331 x1231
Tiverton Town Hall
343 Highland Rd. 02878
625-6703
Warren Town Hall
514 Main St. 02885
245-7340 x4
Warwick City Hall
3275 Post Rd. 02886
738-2010
West Greenwich Town Hall
280 Victory Hwy. 02817
392-3800 x100
West Warwick Town Hall
1170 Main St. 02893
822-9201
Westerly Town Hall
45 Broad St. 02891
348-2503
Woonsocket City Hall
169 Main St.
P.O. Box B 02895
767-9223
Rhode Island How to Run for Ofce Guide – 2024 | 22
State Elections and Political Party Ofces
Contact Information
RI Department of State
Elections Division
148 W. River St., Providence, RI 02904 401-222-2340
State Board of Elections
2000 Plaineld Pike, Suite A, Cranston, RI 02921 401-222-2345
Rhode Island Democratic Party
200 Metro Center Blvd., Suite 2, Warwick, RI 02886 401-272-3367
Rhode Island Republican Party
1800 Post Rd., Suite 17-I, Warwick, RI 02886 401-732-8282
United States Postal Service (USPS)
Contact Information
The United States Postal Service provides extensive information to assist you with your political campaign mail on its
website (www.usps.com/business/political-mail.htm). For mailpiece design assistance please contact the MDA Customer
Service Help Desk at (855)-593-6093 or by email at [email protected].
Department of State’s Website
The following information concerning the 2024 election cycle will be found at: vote.ri.gov
› Election Calendar - English & Spanish
› How to Run for Ofce Guide - English & Spanish
› Declaration of Candidacy Form
› Political Party Endorsement Form
› Intent to Establish a Political Party Form
› Qualied Federal and State Candidates: Starting June 24, 2024, daily updates of federal and state candidates who
led and/or qualied for ballot placement
› Qualied Local Candidates: Starting June 24, 2024, daily updates of local candidates who led and/or qualied for
ballot placement
› Sample ballots
› Find your polling place
› Mail Ballot Applications and the Online Mail Ballot Application Portal
› Voter Information Handbook - Available September, 2024
