Election Officials Providing Registration and Voting Information to New Citizens

CRANSTON, RI — The Rhode Island Board of Elections, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of State and local boards of canvassers, is providing voter registration and voting information services to newly naturalized citizens following weekly naturalization ceremonies held at the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Service’s Johnston office.

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The Board of Elections will also join the Department of State at monthly naturalization ceremonies organized by the U.S. District Court. At tables set up outside of the naturalization ceremonies, elections officials will answer new citizens’ questions about elections in Rhode Island and assist in registering them to vote.

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The Board of Elections and the Department of State have implemented these voter registration and information services for newly naturalized citizens following a recently implemented USCIS rule prohibiting third party organizations, such as the Rhode Island League of Women Voters, from providing voter registration at these events.

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“Naturalization ceremonies are joyous occasions for new citizens eager to contribute to and participate in our nation’s democracy,” Rhode Island Board of Elections Chairwoman Jennifer Johnson said in a media release.

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“There is nothing more fundamental to being a citizen than the right to vote," Johnson said. "That is why the Board of Elections is proud to step up alongside the Department of State and local Boards of Canvassers to offer voter registration services and information about voting in Rhode Island elections to these newly naturalized U.S. citizens.”

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