Should Rhode Islanders be able to vote on the same day they register? What both sides say

This article originally appeared in the Providence Journal on January 20, 2024 and was written by Kathy Gregg.   

Of the 22 states that have some version of same-day registration, John Marion, executive director of Common Cause RI, says: “Some have no residency deadline, others have lengthy deadlines. All have residency requirements.” The maximum allowed under legal precedent is 30 days.”

This year’s version of the legislation has not yet been introduced, but Marion confirms his group’s intent: If the repeal wins voter approval in November, “we would then advocate for an enabling statute that would allow for same-day voter registration.”

…

Marion is among those arguing: “For too long, Rhode Island has made it too difficult for too many of our residents to vote. That is because Rhode Island has the longest voter registration deadline in the country.

“We’re in the same company as states that include Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and that’s not company we want to keep.

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