Deadline For Mail Ballots In Portsmouth Bonds Vote

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Time is running out for Portsmouth voters to request a mail ballot for the upcoming referendum election on Nov. 2.

Mail ballot applications were sent to all active Portsmouth voters to encourage participation in this fall's special election. Applications are also available on the Secretary of State's website. Completed ballot requests must be returned to the Canvassing Office at 2200 East Main Road by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Voters who request a mail ballot will receive it in the mail during October. Voters who requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person on election day will have to fill out a provisional ballot.

The special election will allow voters to weigh in on two referendum questions: one for school repairs and the other for a long-term lease with the Church Community Housing Corporation to create affordable elderly housing in the town.

Read more: Portsmouth's $21.4M School Bond: What To Know

Superintendent Thomas Kenworthy told Patch that passing the $21.4 million school bond "makes the best overall sense to improve our schools."

More information about the bond questions is available on the town's website.

Important dates

• Oct. 12: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot.
• Oct. 13: First day of early, in-person voting, which will take place weekdays at Portsmouth Town Hall.
• Nov. 1: Last day to vote early, in-person.
• Nov. 2: Election day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last day to return mail ballots.