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Voting Where You Live and Learn: A Guide for Providence College Students 2.0

5 days ago
7 min read

By Riley Londraville


I recently published a blog post to better inform Providence College students about their options as voters, because I’ve found a lack of concise information about the voting process, often hindering voter turnout entirely for my generation. My goal was for students to feel more confident during the registration and the voting process, and now that the Primary Elections have passed, I have a bit more to share.


But first, I want to re-emphasize the power of your vote. Voting is a direct way to get involved while upholding the most fundamental aspect 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. Additionally, I’m ecstatic to share that while Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) were still the largest segment of voters in the Rhode Island (RI) Primary Election (45%), preliminary records from the RI Secretary of State’s Office show that—for the first time—Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z voters (that includes us!), or those three generations born after 1965, made up 47% of primary voters. I hope this is an indicator of an upward trend in younger voters’ involvement in both local and national elections, and it should show us all just how much our vote matters.


This blog aims to answer some common questions students might have about the upcoming General Election (Tuesday, November 3), including races ranging from Providence Mayor and City Council to the RI Governor and State Legislature. But you may be wondering: “What’s the difference between a Primary and a General Election?” The Primary Election recently passed, and its goal was to decide which candidates would represent their respective parties (Democratic or Republican) in the upcoming General Election. The General Election presents voters with the final choice of party nominees (the primary winners); the winners are then elected to serve in federal, state, or local offices.



While Primary Elections play a significant role in selecting each party’s nominees, the impact of primary results varies by community. In places where one party is dominant, the primary may be the most competitive election attracting the most attention and discourse. For example, in Providence, many voters followed this past Democratic mayoral primary closely as the Democratic candidates have historically held a strong advantage in city elections so it will likely shape the city’s next leadership. In other communities, the General Election is the more competitive race. No matter where you vote, participating in both elections is a vital way to ensure your voice is heard.


This blog is intended to be a “living document”—a FAQ focused on voter registration information and related topics—that we’ll continue updating (as we are now) with relevant information as you need it. 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.


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 General Election (November 3, 2026): Register by Sunday, October 4, 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 common question students ask. 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, I’ve spent most of the past three years at school in RI, and 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 correct 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 Financial Aid Office 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.

The General  Election is November 3, and the deadline to register to vote is October 4.  

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 4 pm 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 Personal Voter Information Center to confirm your registration information 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. 


In Providence, a good place to learn more about candidates, local issues, and the upcoming General Election is The Providence Eye, a “nonprofit journalistic initiative devoted to informing and empowering the public about events and issues of concern to residents and visitors of Providence, RI, and environs.”


The Providence Eye created the Providence Election Watch, a local voter guide with sample (primary) ballots, candidate information, relevant news articles, and a candidate forum calendar. The following articles are a great starting place for learning more about the results of the Primary Election and the candidates and issuues in the upcoming General Election:


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


Voting in another state? Visit ​​Ballot Ready, a nonpartisan guide to local, state, and national elections, including candidate comparisons and ballot measures. Simply type in your voting address, then you'll be able to register to vote, view a sample ballot, find your polling place, and more. 


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


Additionally, other publications may also have pieces surrounding voting, elections, or the issues at hand themselves. PC students can subscribe to and access The 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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