Westerly Voters Mull $13M In Roadway And School Borrowing

WESTERLY, RI — Voters at a May 4 special election will be asked to consider two referendum items that combined would authorize $13 million in new debt to pay for infrastructure and school facilities.

Voters will be asked to approve up to $11 million in borrowing to finance the construction of road, sidewalk, and related water line improvements. The General Assembly has already passed the necessary enabling legislation.

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Voters will also be asked for an up-or-down vote on an act passed by the General Assembly authorizing the town to borrow up to $2 million "to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities."

Both ballot questions were approved by the Town Council on Feb. 22. The Westerly Board of Canvassers has posted information about the town election online.

On election day, registered voters can head to the polls at the Venice Restaurant at 165 Shore Rd. or at the Faith Bible Chapel at 115 Ashaway Rd. They can also vote early at Town Hall starting April 14 at 8:30 a.m. and ending May 3 at 4:30 p.m.

A mail-in ballot application can be found online. Residents who choose this option may use the official ballot dropbox outside Town Hall by 8 p.m. on election day. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is April 13.

Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Islanders that special elections are scheduled in four communities across the state on May 4. April 4 is the deadline to register to vote or update voter information.