Election 2020: Coventry Voter Guide

COVENTRY, RI — Voting is already well underway for the Nov. 3 general election in Rhode Island, both through mail ballots and early, in-person voting.

In addition to the presidential and congressional races, there are several key races at the state and local level, as well as one statewide ballot question. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, voting, like so much else, looks a lot different this year, and final results are not expected until at least a few days after the election.

The deadline to register to vote and request a mail ballot have passed in Rhode Island. To check your voting status, visit the Secretary of State's elections website. There, voters can also find their polling place, or check the status of their mail ballot.

A list of Coventry polling places is available on the town website.

There are four local ballot questions in Coventry, listed below.

• Question two: Amendment to the town charter removing the requirement of a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration or a related master's degree to qualify for the position of town manager.
• Question three: Amendment to the town charter about the charter committee, which would make committee appointments last six months. No member could serve more than one concurrent term, and no more than twice total.
• Question four: Amendment to the town charter requiring a public comment session at all town council meetings.
• Question five: Amendment to the town charter that would give the town manager the authority to designate an interim replacement in the event of an absence.

Mail ballots

Requests for mail ballots had to be submitted by Oct. 13. Voters who requested a mail ballot must complete and return it by 8 p.m. on election night. There are several options to return signed, sealed absentee ballots: by mail or delivered by hand to a secure election drop box or the voter's local Board of Canvassers. Voters can check the status of their mail ballot online, on the Secretary of State's website.

Find a list of dropboxes here.

Early in-person voting

Early, in-person voting is offered from Oct. 14 to Nov. 2. Voters can fill out their ballot in the town council chambers weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 401-822-9151 with questions.

Here are a few things to remember.

• Bring a valid photo ID. Voters who do not have an acceptable form of ID will be given a provisional ballot.
• Wear a fabric face covering. The Rhode Island Department of Health is asking Rhode Islanders to make mask wearing "the norm" to cut down on the transmission of coronavirus in the state.
• Don't touch your face while at the polling location.
• Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after voting.
• Bring a pen, such as a blue or black ink sharpie or Paper Mate Flair, if you do not want to borrow one.

Voting in RI: Read more

• Early Voting In Rhode Island Starts Oct. 14: What To Know
• Vote By Mail In RI: What To Know