Dates for Special Election in First Congressional District Announced
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The dates of the special election to fill a seat that will soon be vacant in Rhode Island’s first congressional district were announced on Wednesday. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 and the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
“Voting is the hallmark of our democracy, and our goal is to make it as understandable as possible for both candidates and voters to ensure the highest turnout possible,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Together with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Board of Elections, my team is committed to ensuring that Rhode Islanders are aware of this special election and engaged in the process. Members of Congress play key roles in ensuring that Rhode Island is represented in Washington, D.C. and we want to ensure Rhode Islanders are participating in selecting their next representative.”
"Over the last several weeks, the Rhode Island Department of State has worked closely with the Governor’s Office to develop the calendar for this upcoming special election,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I look forward to continuing our partnership and working with the Board of Elections and our local cities and towns to ensure an efficient election. I encourage eligible voters and potential candidates to review the proposed calendar and take action now to ensure they are prepared to participate in this upcoming election.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBased on these dates, the Department of State has created a tentative calendar for the special election. Voters and potential candidates should be aware of the following dates and deadlines:
May 31, 2023: Potential candidates must be registered to vote in Rhode Island; deadline for candidates to disaffiliate from their political party to run as a candidate from another party
June 29-30, 2023: Candidate declaration period
No later than July 6, 2023: Nomination paper signing period begins
July 14, 2023: Deadline for candidates to submit nomination papers to the local Board of Canvassers (4 p.m.)
August 6, 2023: Voter registration deadline for the primary
August 15, 2023: Mail ballot application deadline for the primary
August 16 - September 5, 2023: Early voting period for the primary
September 5, 2023: Special primary
October 8, 2023: Voter registration deadline for the special election
October 17, 2023: Mail ballot application deadline for the special election
October 18 - November 6, 2023: Early voting period for the special election
November 7, 2023: Special election
As is dictated by law, the Governor will sign the formal Writ of Election when the seat is officially vacant on June 1, 2023. A copy of the Writ that the Governor will sign on June 1, 2023 can be found here.
