North Kingstown 2019 Referendum: What Voters Need To Know

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — In just a few weeks, North Kingstown voters will go to the polls to answer two bond questions for the town. Here's a look at everything you need to know ahead of election day.

There will be only two polling placed in town for the referendum on Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and emergency mail ballots are available until Nov. 4 at 4 p.m.

Polling place assignments are as follows: if you voted at the masonic lodge, Stony Lane School, Quidnessett Elementary School or Davisville Middle School in the last general election, your new polling place is Davisville Middle School at 200 School St. If you voted at Slocum Grange Hall, North Kingstown High School, Beechwood Senior Center, Hamilton Elementary School or Wickford Middle School, meanwhile, your polling place will be Beechwood Senior Center at 44 Beach St.

This year's ballot has two bond questions. The first approves $7.5 million for improvements to the town hall and Memorial Park. The funds are an addition to a $5 million bond approved for Town Hall improvements last November. According to the town, approximately $12.5 million is needed to relocate the town hall offices and create town council chambers. The project will includes improvements to accessibility, flooring, heating, plumbing and more of the original historic building and create the new, needed facilities. The project is expected to be completed in 30 months, or about two-and-a-half years.

The second question would allow the town to lease out land for a public-private renewable energy contract. If approved, part of a lot of land at 395 Hamilton Allenton Rd. would be used for the project for up to 25 years.

A copy of the sample ballot is available on the Rhode Island Board of Elections' website. Residents can also check their voter registration status, find their polling place and see a copy of a sample ballot on the Secretary of State's website. More information on the referendum is available on the town's website.