National Voter Registration Day '21: What To Know In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — While the 2020 presidential election saw record voter turnout in the United States, nearly 1 in 4 eligible Americans still aren’t registered to vote. A single day in September hopes to change that in Rhode Island.

National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 28 this year. Observed since 2012, this nonpartisan civic holiday helps reach tens of thousands of voters who may not otherwise register.

Diane Mederos, the chair of the state's Board of Elections, reminded Rhode Islanders that "there is nothing more fundamental to democracy than voting."

"By celebrating National Voter Registration Day we’re raising awareness of the need to register to exercise that right," Mederos said. "With 2022 statewide and Congressional elections just a year away, National Voter Registration Day is a great reminder and opportunity for Rhode Islanders to register to vote. The Rhode Island Board of Elections is proud to participate in this civic holiday to encourage registration, voting, and greater participation in our democracy."

In 2020 and with the help of more than 5,000 community partners, more than 1.5 million eligible voters registered on National Voter Registration Day.

This year’s voter registration drive comes during a crucial period in American democracy.

Nearly 1 in 5 states passed restrictive election laws following the 2020 presidential election that tighten absentee voting windows and impose new rules around casting ballots and running elections.

Still, with the right knowledge and a bit of preparation and planning, registering to vote can still be an easy, seamless process.

Here’s what you need to know about National Voter Registration Day and how to register in Rhode Island.

What Is National Voter Registration Day?

National Voter Registration Day is a coordinated effort by communities, workplaces, libraries, college campuses and other entities across the country, all of which share a common goal — to raise awareness of voter registration opportunities in their communities.

Events are planned across the country to mark the day. One voter drive is planned in Rhode Island, at from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at West Warwick Public Library.

Does National Voter Registration Day actually work?

Nearly 4.5 million voters have registered since the event’s inception, according to the campaign’s website. More than 300,000 Americans registered to vote on the inaugural National Voter Registration Day in 2012. In 2019, 473,725 people registered to vote before that number skyrocketed to 1.5 million in 2020.

How have election laws changed?

Following the 2020 election, nine states passed legislation that sponsors say improves election security. Critics, however, say the legislation makes it harder for people to vote.

In Kansas, one law effectively shuts down voter registration drives by making it a felony to impersonate an election official, according to a National Public Radio report, a standard that could depend entirely on impressions. In Montana, state lawmakers eliminated Election Day voter registration.

In Rhode Island, voting laws have not changed this year.

How do I register to vote in Rhode Island?

Registering to vote in Rhode Island is simple. Visit Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea's voter website to register to vote, update voter records, learn why voting matters and more.

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, Gorbea encouraged registered voters to make sure their voter record is up-to-date.

"It only takes a minute, and you can do it right on your phone!" Gorbea said. "People have busy lives, and it’s easy to forget to update your voter record if you’ve moved recently or got married and your name changed. Take a minute today to make sure you’re voter-ready for the next election in your community."

You can also register to vote directly on National Voter Registration Day’s website.

Know election deadlines in Rhode Island

Less than one-third of people who voted in the 2020 presidential election did so in person after states expanded mail-in balloting and early voting due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

In fact, 2020 was the first time in the history of the survey that a majority of voters did not cast their ballots in person on Election Day.

While new laws may have changed the landscape of mail-in voting, it’s important to know when you need to register by, as well as other key election deadlines in Rhode Island. See upcoming elections on the Board of Elections' website.