Deadlines for RI Candidates Filing for Office Are Approaching

Deadlines for RI Candidates Filing for Office Are Approaching

 

The RI Department of State Elections Division is reminding potential candidates of the upcoming filing period for candidate declaration forms.

 

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Declarations of candidacy must be filed on June 22, 23, or 24. The deadline to file is June 24 at 4 p.m.

 

Candidates for federal and statewide offices must file with the RI Department of State Elections Division (148 W. River Street, Providence), and candidates for state and local offices file with their local board of canvassers. Forms must be physically signed, and cannot be emailed or faxed. 

 

Forms are available now online, or in-person at the RI Department of State or local boards of canvassers’ offices.

 

Nomination papers for declared candidates will be available to pick up on June 30. All signed nomination papers must be submitted to the correct local board of canvassers on or before July 10 at 4 p.m.

 

The ballot placement lottery will be held on July 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the RI Department of State Elections Division.

 

Important dates and deadlines for candidates and voters for the upcoming statewide primary (September 9) and General Election (November 3) can be found online in the Election Calendar. Additional information for candidates is available in the 2026 Run for Office Guide. 

 

To learn more about elections in Rhode Island, register to vote, or check your registration status, visit vote.ri.gov.