RI Presidential Primary Postponed to June 2 Due to Coronavirus

RI Presidential Primary Postponed to June 2 Due to Coronavirus

The Rhode Island Presidential Primary has been moved to June 2 due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the state and the U.S.

“Last week, the Board of Elections requested that the presidential primary election be postponed from April 28 to June 2 and that the election takes place primarily by mail ballot. I am following the advice of the Board of Elections, and will sign an executive order to do this,” tweeted Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo on Monday.

As GoLocalProv reported, there are currently 106 cases of coronavirus in the state.

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All non-essential businesses have been ordered closed, schools have been closed restaurants are take-out early.

On Monday, Raimondo put restrictions on out-of-state travel.

“These new restrictions limit out-of-state travel, but don’t limit travel within RI, & we are not closing the state’s borders. If you need to drive to the grocery store, you can. If you need to get your medication from a pharmacy, you can. But we need you to stay local,” tweeted Raimondo.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea issued the following statement:

"I applaud Governor Raimondo’s efforts to protect the health of Rhode Island voters and election workers, and I thank her for her leadership during this challenging time.  

A predominantly mail ballot election will ensure that all eligible Rhode Islanders can cast a ballot in a safe and secure manner while protecting the integrity of every vote. Our first step in the coming weeks will be to send all registered voters a mail ballot application with a postage-paid return envelope.

Any change to the date and format of the primary may prove confusing for voters. Last week, in my testimony to the Board of Elections, I recommended that the Board of Elections and I co-chair a diverse statewide task force that can help broker solutions ensuring we do not unintentionally disenfranchise any portion of our electorate.

My office will work proactively and collaboratively with the Board of Elections and local boards of canvassers to hold a fair and secure election on June 2."