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Thursday, November 3, 2016

Questions about voting?


 ISSUE 17 | November 2016

Be Prepared for
Election Day!
The election is just days away and Secretary Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Island voters to be prepared before heading to the polls on November 8.

"Elections are not pop quizzes. Check out your ballot so you will be informed and ready when you head into the voting booth," Secretary Gorbea said.

Here are three easy ways to prepare to be a voter!
1.     Visit vote.ri.gov to preview your sample ballot and confirm your polling location.
2.     Read about the seven state ballot questions in the 2016 Voter Information Handbook.
3.     Watch our video with answers to most frequently asked questions on Election Day. 



Rhode Island leads nation in voting technology
Secretary Gorbea is highlighted in the November issue of Governing Magazine for her national leadership in modernizing the state's elections systems. The article notes that states and the federal government are largely ignoring the problem of outdated voting machines, but "Rhode Island is the exception when it comes to modernizing election equipment."

Secretary Gorbea led the charge to upgrade our voting machines. The new machines were first used in Rhode Island's September Primaries.

“Voting equipment is Democracy's infrastructure. When I ran for office, I pledged to Rhode Islanders that I would utilize the latest technology to modernize elections in our state. I’m pleased to make good on that promise by implementing these systems so that the state can deliver fair, fast, and accurate elections," Secretary Gorbea said.


Secretary Gorbea convenes roundtable discussion on elections integrity
Secretary Gorbea recently convened Rhode Island's political and civic leaders for a roundtable discussion on elections integrity. The diverse group discussed voting equipment security safeguards, the integrity of the state’s central voter registration database, and ways in which Rhode Islanders can report any concerns they have while at the polls.

"The recent national discourse and media coverage on cyberattacks or other fraudulent activities has the potential to undermine Rhode Islanders trust in the election system. That's why I have convened a roundtable and invited Rhode Island's political and civic leaders to discuss the integrity of Rhode Island's elections," Secretary Gorbea said.

Among those present were Roger Williams University School of Law Dean Michael Yelnosky, RI Board of Elections commissioner Dr. Isadore Ramos and acting executive director Robert Rapoza, Jan Ruggiero of the North Providence Board of Canvassers, Pilar McCloud of the NAACP Providence, John Marion of Common Cause Rhode Island, Tomas Avila of the RI Latino Civic Fund, Steve Brown of the RI ACLU and Jane Koster of the RI League of Women Voters. The state’s political parties were represented by: Brandon Bell of the RI Republican Party, Joseph McNamara of the RI Democratic Party, Gregg Gerritt of the Green Party of RI and Pat Ford of the RI Libertarian Party. Also on hand were Steve Pearson, VP of Voting Systems at ES&S, manufacturer of the state’s voting machines, and Scott Leiendecker, President of KnowInk, e-poll book vendor.
 



Time to send back your
mail ballots!
If you are casting your vote with an absentee mail ballot, time is running out to return your ballot! A reminder that post marks don't count and your mail ballot must be received by the State Board of Elections by 8 p.m. November 8. To make sure your vote is counted, be sure to have your ballot in the mail by Friday, November 4.       


"Get Out The Vote" Toolkit
Civic participation is critical to our success as a state and Secretary Gorbea needs your help to encourage all eligible Rhode Islanders to #BeAVoter on November 8.
To help people get excited for the upcoming election, the Department of State has provided this social media toolkit to help get out the vote on Election Day. Below are videos, messages, and links that you can use on Twitter and Facebook to help spread the message to #BeAVoter in Rhode Island. 

And don't forget to use #BeAVoter on Election Day when you share that you voted!

It Matters
Government is accountable to the people. On November 8 make your voice heard and #BeAVoter.

Voting at the polls
Not sure what to expect on Election Day? Check out this video and see how easy it is to #BeAVoter

You have time
You lead a busy life, but there's always time to vote! #BeAVoter on November 8.
#BeAVoter
Your vote is your voice, and on November 8, make your voice heard. #BeAVoter.

 Como Votar
¿No está seguro de qué esperar en el día de las elecciones? Vea este video para ver lo fácil que es #SeaUnVotante el día de las elecciones. 

Usted Tiene Tempo
Usted lleva una vida ocupada, pero siempre hay tiempo para votar. #SeaUnVotante el 8 de noviembre.

Rhode Island Department of State