Information for Candidates

Candidates are next eligible to declare for federal, state, and local office in during a three day window from June 22, 2026 to June 24, 2026. We recommend candidates consult the Secretary of State's 2026 Run for Office Guide for an overview of the candidate process or contact the Canvassing Office with any questions in the meantime.  

Important Dates and Deadlines

Please note, unless otherwise stated, all legal deadlines are 4:00 p.m.
 

• May 19th - 6:00 p.m. - The Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division, in partnership with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, is offering How to Run for Office seminars for those interested in running for office in 2026 at their office at 148 W. River Street in Providence. Here is the registration link.
• March 26 - Last day for candidates to disaffiliate and change their party in order to run for office as a candidate in a new party. Local candidates and unaffiliated/independent candidates do not need to take any action.
• May 25 - Deadline for candidates to register to vote if they are not already registered in their community in order to declare for office. 
• June 3 - Canvassing Office will host a How to Run For Office Information Session at 6:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at Newport City Hall
• June 4 - Canvassing Office will host a How to Run For Office Information Session at 6:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at Newport City Hall
• June 11 - Canvassing Office will host a How to Run For Office Information Session at 6:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at Newport City Hall
• June 15 - 6:00 p.m. - The Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division, in partnership with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, is offering How to Run for Office seminars at the State Board of Elections, 2000 Plainfield Pike in Cranston for those interested in running for office in 2026. This seminar includes an opportunity to tour the facility. Here is the registration link.
• June 16 - Canvassing Office will host a How to Run For Office Information Session at 6:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at Newport City Hall
• June 22-24 - Candidates for local offices and the General Assembly formally declare for office by filing a declaration of candidacy form at the Canvassing Office by 4:00 p.m.
• June 25 - Endorsements by party comittees are due to the Canvassing Office by 4:00 p.m.
• June 30 - Nomination papers are available to be picked up by the candidate or their representative starting at 8:30 a.m.
• July 10 - 4:00 p.m. deadline to submit nomination papers to the Canvassing Office in order to have the signatures be counted
• July 13 - 4:00 p.m. deadline to file objections and withdrawals of candidacy
• July 15 - 11:30 a.m. Canvassing Authority meeting in the Second Floor Conference Room to conduct the Ballot Placement Lottery for local candidates
• July 16 - Deadline for the Canvassing Office to finish certifying nomination papers.
• July 17 - Ballot Placement Lottery for state candidates
• August 10 - Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation for the primary
• August 19 - 4:00 p.m. deadline to submit mail ballot applications for the primary
• August 20 - Early voting begins during regular business hours at Newport City Hall and emergency mail ballots are available at the Canvassing Office. 
• September 8 - Early voting at City Hall and emergency mail ballots end at 4:00 p.m.
• September 9 - PRIMARY DAY - Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• September 10 - 4:00 p.m. deadline to submit recount requests for the primary at the State Board of Elections
• October 4 - Deadline to register to vote for the General Election
• October 13 - Deadline to submit mail ballot applications
• October 14 - Early voting begins during regular business hours at Newport City Hall
• November 2 - Early voting ends at 4:00 p.m. 
• November 3 - ELECTION DAY - Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• November 5 - 11:30 a.m. - Canvassing Authority meeting to determine provisional ballots and tabulate write-in votes. 
• November 12 - 4:00 p.m. deadline to a submit a recount request at the State Board of Elections
• November 23 - 11:30 a.m. Canvassing Authority meeting to certify local results
• December 1 - New Council and School Comittee take office