Early voting starts today. Newcomers to the state may not realize that the September 5th primary will effectively determine* who we are sending to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District in the House of Representatives, the seat vacated by David Cicilline. This is important. There are twelve (12!) Democrats running against each other in this primary, and in a special summertime election with its expected low turnout, every vote counts. See Ballotpedia.
Most cities and towns will host early voting at their local board of canvassers. The Providence Board of Canvassers is located in City Hall. Remember to bring a valid photo ID.
The Secretary of State’s Office has provided instructions at How to Vote Early.
Complete disclosure: I support Aaron Regunberg. Candidate Lt. Governor Sabina Matos still has some explaining to do regarding signatures on her nomination papers. Update at Boston Globe.
The Public’s Radio will be hosting a CD1 Special Election Candidate Forum at RIC on August 22. The ProJo has a Voters Guide.
Early voting through September 4, Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street, 401.680.5000, (directions)
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*Yes, there will be a general special election in November, with two Republicans on the ballot, but due to decades of wheeling and dealing — and the insidious master lever, only recently eliminated — our state’s Democratic party has overrun state politics. Again, if you are a newcomer, please know that our state Democratic party includes some of the least progressive or enlightened pols imaginable; in any other state many of these guys would be Republicans. (This de facto one-party system is not a healthy one, but here we are.)