Voting In Coventry: Everything You Need To Know

COVENTRY, RI — Tuesday is Election Day in Rhode Island and across the country. Voters who did not cast their ballots early in person or by mail can cast their ballot at their polling place during the day. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a surge in mail-in ballots, the results of the presidential and local elections are not expected on Tuesday, and could take days or weeks to determine.

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.

Voters who requested a mail ballots but have not yet returned it must do so by 8 p.m. on Tuesday to have it counted. Mail ballots can be dropped into a secure election drop box, located across the state.

Find a list of dropboxes here.

Early, in-person voting ends at 4 p.m. on Monday. Voters can cast their ballot at their city or town hall, instead of at their polling place on Tuesday.

Whether voting early or at the polls on Tuesday, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind for a safe voting experience.

• 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.

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.