How to Vote in District 41
Three ways to cast a ballot, three dates worth writing down, and one deadline that catches people out every single cycle.
The one that catches people out: Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
That is the last day to apply for a mail ballot. The application has to be physically received by your local Board of Canvassers by 4:00 PM that day. A postmark does not save you — the Rhode Island Board of Elections states that applications postmarked by the deadline but received after it are not accepted. If you plan to vote by mail, apply in September, not the second week of October.
Vote by mail
Any registered Rhode Island voter can vote by mail. No excuse or reason is required.
You have to apply first, and you have to apply separately for each election. Get an application from your local Board of Canvassers, download one from the Secretary of State, or apply online.
Apply by: 4:00 PM, Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Return your ballot by: 8:00 PM on Election Day. The completed ballot must be received by then — by mail, at a designated drop box, or in person at the Board of Elections.
Vote early, in person
Rhode Island runs a 20-day in-person early voting period before Election Day. For this election that period runs from roughly Wednesday, October 14 through Monday, November 2.
Early voting takes place at your city or town hall, or another location your Board of Canvassers designates. You check in on an electronic poll book and feed your ballot into the tabulator, same as Election Day.
Bring photo ID. Confirm your town’s early voting hours with your Board of Canvassers — they vary.
Vote on Election Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Go to your regular polling place and bring photo ID. If you’re in line at 8:00 PM, stay in line — you are entitled to vote.
Not sure where you vote, or whether your registration is current? Check before Election Day rather than on it.
Dates worth writing down
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 — last day to register to vote for this election. Rhode Island requires registration 30 days before the election.
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 4:00 PM — mail ballot applications must be received by your local Board of Canvassers.
- Wednesday, October 14 – Monday, November 2 — in-person early voting period.
- Monday, November 2, 4:00 PM — end of the emergency mail ballot period, for voters whose circumstances change inside the last 20 days.
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — Election Day. Polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Completed mail ballots must be received by 8:00 PM.
Who to call
Your local Board of Canvassers is the authority on your registration, your polling place, your early voting hours, and your mail ballot application. They are helpful and they answer the phone.
- Scituate voters — Scituate Board of Canvassers, Scituate Town Hall.
- Cranston voters (Precinct 707) — Cranston Board of Canvassers, Cranston City Hall.
- Statewide — RI Secretary of State, Elections Division: 401-222-2340. RI Board of Elections: 401-222-2345.
Dates and rules on this page are drawn from the Rhode Island Board of Elections and the Secretary of State’s 2026 election calendar. Election procedures can change. Confirm anything that matters to you with your Board of Canvassers or at the Secretary of State’s office before you rely on it.
Am I even in District 41?
House District 41 covers the Town of Scituate and one precinct of western Cranston — Precinct 707. If you live in Scituate, you’re in the district. If you’re in Cranston and you’re not sure, your Board of Canvassers can tell you in about thirty seconds, and so can the sample ballot you’ll receive before the election.
If Lou’s name is on your ballot, you’re in the district.