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Rhode Island primary election 2026: Live results, updates and analyses
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Rhode Island voters are heading to the polls for the statewide primary election on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Key dates to know:
- Thursday, Aug. 20: Early voting began.
- Tuesday, Sept. 8 : Early voting ends at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 9: Primary election.
- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in most of Rhode Island. Polls on Block Island open at 9 a.m.
- Completed mail ballots must be received by the Rhode Island Board of Elections or placed in an authorized elections drop box by 8 p.m. on primary election day.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: General election.
You can check your polling place, view a sample ballot and find other voting information at vote.ri.gov.
Catch up on races to watch
Democratic primary for governor:
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes is challenging incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in a rematch of their close 2022 primary. Recent polling has consistently shown Foulkes in the lead.
Democratic primary for mayor of Providence:
Mayor Brett Smiley faces state Rep. David Morales in a matchup that could effectively determine who leads the heavily Democratic capital city.
More primary contests:
Rhode Islanders will also make decisions on Congress, attorney general, the General Assembly and local offices across the state.