General Election Information

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Has someone else voted on your behalf without your knowledge? Has someone taken advantage of a family member’s voting registration? Research your voting records here using the VoteRef.org database.

Poll Worker and Poll Volunteer Information

Poll Worker and Watcher Information for Rhode Island

Eligibility Requirements

Under Rhode Island General Law 17-11-12, in order to work at the polling place an individual must be:

  • 16 years of age or older
  • A registered voter in Rhode Island (preregistration required if 16-17 years old)
  • Able to read the Constitution of the state in English
  • Able to write his/her own name

Related Information

Poll workers are paid by the Board of Canvassers for their service on election day. Pay varies by city/town. See the latest Statewide Poll Worker Pay Rates.

NOTICE: Under R.I.G.L. §17-11-12 and §17-11-15 you are ineligible to work as a Poll Worker if you are a candidate for public office, or if you have been convicted, found guilty, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, or placed on a deferred or suspended sentence, or on probation, for any crime which involves moral turpitude or which constitutes a violation of any of the election or caucus laws of this or any other state. Your appointment as a Poll Worker may be contingent upon you successfully passing a test based on material presented to you in a training class.

Municipal employees, except teachers, are prohibited from working as Poll workers in a primary election in their city/town of employment. This restriction does not apply to the General Election. (R.I.G.L 17-15-14)

You are not required to be a resident of the city/town in which you are seeking to work as a poll worker.

Poll Watchers

Political parties may appoint “checkers” to see who has voted, “runners” to deliver lists of people who have voted, and “watchers” to challenge the eligibility of voters