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Voting Where You Live and Learn: A Guide for Providence College Students

  • Aug 4
  • 7 min read

By Riley Londraville



Recently, all Providence College (PC) students received an email with information about voter registration. There were some important dates and deadlines to register to vote in Rhode Island (RI) and links to learn more for out-of-state residents. But it’s hard to dive deep when even the baseline information doesn’t always feel like enough for students who want to make their voices heard but aren’t convinced that their vote makes a difference. Often, this hesitancy, coupled with a lack of information about the voting process, creates a hindrance toward voting. So, let’s break this down so you can feel more confident during the registration and the voting process.


For starters, voting is a direct way to get involved in civic life while upholding one of the most fundamental aspects of our democracy, and student involvement holds immense weight as college-aged voters account for a third of the eligible voter population. Elected officials have the power to shape most issues that directly affect students; this includes anything from housing and transportation to local community investments. Voting gives students a say in the decisions that can impact their time on campus as well as their futures, so it’s important to have both the opportunity and the information needed to participate.


For PC students, this includes understanding that our campus is situated at the intersection of several overlapping geographic and political boundaries. As shown in the map below, the campus spans the Elmhurst and Wanskuck neighborhoods, with Smith Hill abutting its southeastern edge. Politically, PC lies primarily within Ward 14, while portions of its footprint extend into Ward 12 and sit just beyond Ward 5 (not shown). For a campus like PC, this means it is not an isolated institution—it exists within residential neighborhoods where people live, work, raise families, and build community. Understanding these political boundaries provides important context for why local elections matter and how your participation can shape the community you call home during your time at PC.


PC in Context: Neighborhoods & Political Boundaries
PC in Context: Neighborhoods & Political Boundaries 

This blog aims to answer some common questions students might have about the upcoming State Primary Elections and the General Election, including races ranging from Providence Mayor and City Council to the RI Governor. It’s intended to be a “living document”—a FAQ related to voter registration and related topics—that we’ll continue updating with relevant information in the coming weeks and months. And if you have a question, feel free to let us know at nerlab@providence.edu so we can add it to our FAQs below for others to learn from. We’ll plan to update this posting after the September 9th RI Primary Election with updated information.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who's eligible to vote?

U.S. citizens ages 18 and up can participate in local, state, and federal elections, and many states allow those under 18 years of age the option to pre-register to vote

In RI, the standard deadline to register to vote is 30 days before an election.


For the upcoming Primary election (September 9, 2026): Register by Monday, August 10, 2026.


You can register to vote in RI or your home state, check your registration status, or update your registration information using the resources below:


The National Mail Voter Registration Form can also be used to update your name or address and affiliate with a political party.

This is the most commonly asked question for students. Many of us have connections to two places. Take me for example, my home state is Massachusetts (MA), where I grew up, where my family is, and where I spend my summers working. However, RI is where I’ve spent the majority of my time these past three years at school, and where I feel strong ties to community issues that shape my time here. I can choose to remain registered in my home state of MA, but I also have the option to register in RI—that being said, I can only vote in one state in any given election.

There is no direct answer to this question, as it is solely up to you. There is no wrong answer. Some students feel more connected to issues affecting their hometown; for others it’s the opposite, and they want a say in local decisions where they study, work, and live. What matters most is exploring your options and ensuring you are registered in the state you intend to vote in

Registering to vote in RI does not affect your eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, Perkins, or Stafford loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA. However, if you're a Vermont resident, it could be considered one factor in determining residency for certain state or institutional financial aid, so it’s recommended that you speak with the Providence College Office of Financial Aid to make sure doing so does not impact your financial aid.


For more information on this and related topics, see “Common Questions/Concerns” in the Fair Election Center’s Rhode Island State Voting Guide.

State Primary Elections dates and deadlines to register to vote vary.  For RI voters, the State Primary Election is September 9th and the deadline to register to vote is August 10th.  


Out-of-state residents should visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to view your state’s Primary Election date and deadline


The General Election is on November 3rd. 

Primary Election: A primary election is held before the general election and allows voters to help choose which candidate will represent a political party, such as the Democratic or Republican Party, in the general election. Depending on which state you’re voting in, you may need to be affiliated with a political party to vote in its primary.


General Election: A state general election is the final election where voters choose between the candidates nominated in the primaries (along with any independent or third-party candidates). The winners of the general election are elected to serve in federal, state, or local office.

There are several ways to cast your ballot in RI:

  • Vote by Mail: All registered RI voters are eligible to vote by mail. Applications must be received no later than 4pm on the 21st day before Election Day.

  • Vote Early Before Election Day: If you miss the deadline to request a mail ballot or prefer to vote in person before Election Day, you can vote at your City or Town Hall during the 20 days leading up to the election.

  • Vote at the Polls on Election Day: Before heading to the polls, visit the Voter Information Center to confirm your registration information, find your polling place, and preview a sample ballot.


If you'll be away during an election, you may also be able to vote absentee or by mail in your home state. This is a common option for students attending school out of state or anyone traveling during an election. The process typically involves:

  • Confirming your voter registration status

  • Completing an absentee ballot application

  • Submitting the application by your state's deadline

  • Receiving and returning your ballot


Because voting rules and deadlines vary by state, be sure to visit TurboVote for the most accurate information. Out-of-state residents can also learn how to request a mail ballot in their home state through the resources available there.

A thriving democracy relies on informed voters, so it’s important to access reliable information prior to casting your vote. To learn more about who’s running for office in your local election and local issues on the ballot, visit ​​Ballot Ready—a nonpartisan guide to local, state, and national elections, including candidate comparisons and ballot measures. Simply type in your address, then you will be able to research upcoming elections, view ballots, register to vote, find your polling place, and see who represents you! 


USA.gov is also an official government website where you can quickly find and contact your elected officials, among other great resources. 


In Providence, a good place to learn more about candidates and issues is local news sources, such as The Providence Eye, a publication free of charge. The Providence Eye recently published several articles about who’s running for Providence City Council as well as Providence’s General Assembly Seats (at the RI state level). These are a great starting place to learn more about candidates!


You can also learn more about current elected officials in the neighborhoods surrounding PC and local community priorities through NERLab’s website. 


Additionally, other publications may also have pieces surrounding voting, elections, or the issues at hand themselves. PC students can subscribe to and access New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Wall Street Journal for free through the PC Library.

Civic engagement extends beyond voting. Students can get involved in many ways, including:



For Additional Resources, see: 



Riley Londraville is an undergraduate student in the Class of 2027 at Providence College, double-majoring in Creative Writing and Public and Community Service Studies, with a minor in Political Science. She is a Research Fellow in the Neighborly Engagement Research Lab (NERLab) at Providence College.

 
 
 

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