Special Election Schedule Announced To Fill Goldin Seat

PROVIDENCE, RI – State officials have announced the Special Election schedule for the District 3 seat vacated by Senator Gayle Goldin.

Goldin resigned her seat earlier this week to accept a position in the Biden-Harris Administration as a senior adviser in the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau.

Senate District 3 represents Providence's East Side and Fox Point.

"Senator Goldin was a steadfast advocate for caregivers, women's rights, reproductive health, and much more. I was also honored to work with her on modernizing Rhode Island's election laws," Secretary Nellie M. Gorbea said in a prepared statement. "She showed the impact a state Senate seat can have on a local and statewide level. I encourage all eligible voters in District 3 to take part in choosing her successor."

It is important to note that the executive order that waived the requirement for voters to obtain a notarization or two witness signatures on their mail ballot envelope has expired. A notarization or two witness signatures are again required to vote by mail.

Secure drop boxes will be available for voters to drop off completed mail ballots at Providence City Hall, the Board of Elections' headquarters (2000 Plainfield Pike, Cranston), and the Secretary of State's Election Division (148 West River St, Providence) through 8:00 p.m. on November 2.

SPECIAL ELECTION CALENDAR

• August 26-27, 2021: Deadline for candidates to file declarations of candidacy with the Providence Board of Canvassers
• September 5, 2021: Last day to register to vote in the primary
• September 14, 2021: Last day to submit a mail ballot application for the primary
• September 15 – October 4, 2021: Early in-person voting period for the primary
• October 5, 2021: PRIMARY (if necessary) – Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• October 3, 2021: Last day to register to vote in the special election
• October 12, 2021: Last day to submit a mail ballot application for the election
• October 13 – November 1, 2021: Early in-person voting period for the election
• November 2, 2021: ELECTION DAY – Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.