Elections have consequences. That's why we must elect champions of public education.

In 2026, Rhode Islanders will determine who is elected to General Office, the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the Rhode Island Senate, and many school committee and other local races.

Voting for pro-public education, pro-worker candidates at the state and local level is one of the most effective ways to stand up for public schools and working families.

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION

REGISTER TO VOTE

WAYS TO VOTE

• Be registered
  • You must register by Monday, August 10 to vote in the Primary Election. 
  • Register online. To register online, go to the Voter Information Center. Remember to have your Rhode Island driver's license or state ID ready.
  • Register by Mail. To register by mail, download the voter registration form. Mail the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
  • Register in person. To register in person, download the voter registration form. Bring the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
  • Same-day Registration. Rhode Island allows same-day voter registration for presidential elections only. If you miss the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote on Election Day, but you will only be able to vote for President and Vice President. You will not be able to vote in any state, local, or other federal races. You can only register and vote on Election Day at the location designated by your local board of canvassers.
  • Make sure your voter registration is current by checking your registration information at vote.sos.ri.gov.
• Know your Voter Rights! 
  • The right to vote is one of the most important rights we have as an American citizen and as Rhode Islanders. Visit the Voter Information Center for more.
• Voting in person on Election Day. The Primary Election will be Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Polls open from 7am until 8pm. Note if you are in line by 8 o'clock, you have the right to vote. Find your polling place!
• Vote by mail. You can request a mail ballot application now! Learn more about voting by mail here.
• Early, in-person voting. Any eligible voter can vote early at their local city or town hall starting Thursday, August 20 until Tuesday, September 8. Learn about early voting here.

KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

Sample Ballot: Sample ballots are available so you can research and make your voting plan. Click here to access your personal sample ballot.

Photo ID - Rhode Island state law requires voters to present a valid photo ID at the polling place before being allowed to vote. The following is a list of photo IDs you can show at the polling place. The ID cannot have expired more than 6 months before the election:

• RI driver's license/permit
• US passport
• ID card issued by any federally recognized tribal government
• ID card issued by an educational institution in the United States
• US military identification card
• ID card issued by the US government or State of Rhode Island (RIPTA bus pass, etc.)
• Government issued medical card
• RI Voter ID card

Please note that RI Driving Privilege Cards or Permits are not acceptable forms of Voter IDs. Informational Flyer

Make sure you are ready to be a voter! Visit your personal Voter Information Center to familiarize yourself with your polling location, your ballot, and what races and issues you will be voting on. 

THE RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

The NEARI Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI-PACE) is a Political Action Committee (PAC) established and funded by members of NEARI to recommend and support public education and pro-worker champions for local, state, and federal office.  No dues dollars enter the PAC; dues and donations are completely separate funds.

The NEARI-PACE (often called RIPACE) recommendation process is member-driven, and candidates running for office have the opportunity to seek the recommendation of RIPACE.

Candidates seeking the RIPACE recommendation engage with members in a number of ways, including the completion of a candidate questionnaire, and participating in a question and answer session with committee members during the RIPACE screening interviews.

Federal Candidates

Statewide Candidates