REGISTERING TO VOTE IN RHODE ISLAND

Who may register to vote?
Any citizen of the United States who is a resident of the Town of Cumberland and he / she wishes to vote and who will be at least eighteen years old on or before the next primary or election may register to vote. Persons registering must be able to attest to the oath on the registration form.

Who is eligible to vote?
Every citizen of the United States of the age of eighteen years or over who maintains a residence and home in Cumberland thirty days prior to the time of voting, and who has resided for at least thirty days in the town or city from which he / she desires to vote, and whose name shall be registered at least thirty days prior to the time of voting as provided by law, shall have the right to vote for all offices to be elected and on all questions submitted to the electors. (Article II, Section 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution )

Please note the following exceptions:
---No persons who has been lawfully adjudicated non compos mentis shall be permitted to vote.
---No felon shall be permitted to vote until completion of such felon’s sentence, served or suspended, and of parole or probation regardless of a nolo contendere plea. Upon such completion, such person’s right to vote shall be restored.

How often must I register?
 Registration is permanent in Rhode Island. You will only have to register once unless:
--- you change your name
--- you move to another city or town
--- you do not respond to a confirmation mailing in which case you will be removed from the voting list if you do not vote at least once between the date of the confirmation mailing and the second general election following the date of the mailing. Confirmation mailings are only sent to voters under the conditions set forth in the Rhode Island General Laws. (Section 17-9.1-26 and 17-10-1 See Appendix B)

NOTE: If you move within Cumberland you must notify the board of canvassers of your change of address. You must be registered to vote from your actual place of residence.

How do I register?
You may register, or file your change of address, by going to your local board of canvassers which is located in the Cumberland town hall. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. / 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except July & August, hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registrars are often available during evening hours and at other locations. Contact the board of canvassers for more information at 401-728-2400 Ext. 36.

You may also register to vote, or file your change of address, by using either the Rhode Island mail registration form or the federal mail registration form prescribed by the Federal Election Commission under the National Voter Registration Act. Rhode Island mail registration forms are available at the Rhode Island Board of Elections, the Office of the Secretary of State and the Cumberland Board of Canvassers.

You may also register to vote, or file your change of address, at the Division of Motor Vehicles when you apply for (1) a driver's license, (2) a driver's license renewal or (3) a personal identification document issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

You may also register to vote, or file your change of address, when applying for services or assistance at (1) agencies providing public assistance, or (2) state-funded programs providing assistance to persons with disabilities. You may also register to vote or change your address at armed forces recruitment offices. A list of designated agencies is available from the State Board of Elections, 50 Branch Ave., Providence, R .I. 02904 (401-222-2345).

When you register to vote, or file your change of address, you must provide your name, address, telephone number (optional), date of birth and choice of party affiliation. After filling in the required information, read the oath on the registration form. If you can answer yes to all of the statements, sign the registration form. Witnesses are not necessary unless you need assistance in filling out the registration form.

How do I register if I am ill or disabled?
If you are unable to appear in person at your local board of canvassers because of illness or physical or mental disability, you may register to vote by mail. Contact your local Board of Canvassers in order to obtain a Rhode Island mail registration form.