What To Know About Rhode Island's March 2 Special Election

PROVIDENCE, RI — Although Dec. 31 marked the end of one of the most tumultuous election years in American history, the election process isn't quite finished in Rhode Island. On March 2, Rhode Island voters will go back to the polls to weigh in on seven budget referenda questions.

"Your vote is your voice in how Rhode Island allocates funding on issues important to you - things like education, roads and bridges, housing, and childcare," said Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. "Your vote matters and is critical to our state’s success. I encourage all eligible Rhode Islanders to make a difference and be a voter."

As was the case in 2020's elections, Rhode Islanders have three options to cast their ballots: by mail, early in-person or at the polls on Election Day. Gorbea's office will again send mail ballot applications to all active registered voters, expected to arrive in mailboxes the week of Jan. 18. Voters can again track the status of their application and mail ballot on the Secretary of State's website.

In early February, all voters will receive a voter information handbook in the mail in early February. The pamphlet will outline the bond questions in detail and further explain the state's voting procedures. More information is also available online.

From the voter registration deadline to when early voting begins, there are several important dates to keep in mind for the fast-approaching special election.

Key Dates

• Jan. 31: Voter registration deadline
• Feb. 9: Mail ballot application deadline
• Feb. 10: Start of early, in-person voting
• March 1: Early, in-person voting ends at 4 p.m.
• March 2: Election Day, polls open

The seven state bond questions are explained below. Total costs are estimates based on 20-year loans and an interest rate of 5 percent.

Question 1: Higher Education Facilities

• $107.3 million for higher education, including $57.3 million for a fine arts center at URI, $38 million for the Clarke Science Building at RIC and $12 million to renovate CCRI's campuses.
• Principal: $107,300,000
• Interest: $64,900,592
• Total cost: $172,200,592

Question 2: Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond

• $74 million for environment and recreational projects, a total of $10 million over the governor's original proposal.
• Principal: $74,000,000
• Interest: $44,759,029
• Total cost: $118,759,029

Question 3: Housing and Community Opportunity

• $65 million for affordable housing, an increase of $40 million over the original proposal, included in the amendment offered by the governor in July.
• Principal: $65,000,000
• Interest: $39,315,363
• Total cost: $104,315,363

Question 4: Transportation Infrastructure State Match

• $71.7 million for transportation initiatives
• Principal: $71,700,000
• Interest: $43,367,870
• Total cost: $115,067,870

Question 5: Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund

• $15 million for early childhood care and the educational capital fund
• Principal: $15,000,000
• Interest: $9,072,776
• Total cost: $24,072,776

Question 6: Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program and State Preservation Grants Program

• $7 million for arts and cultural infrastructure, including $6 million for the cultural arts and economy grant program, and $1 million for the state preservation grants program.
• Principal: $7,000,000
• Interest: $4,233,962
• Total cost: $11,233,962

Question 7: Industrial Facilities Infrastructure

• $60 million for commerce infrastructure, including $20 million for the Port of Davisville at Quonset and $40 million for industrial site development.
• Principal: $60,000,000
• Interest: $36,291,105
• Total cost: $$96,291,105

Total borrowing costs

• Principal: $400,000,000
• Interest: $241,940,697
• Total cost: $641,940,697