Politics & Government

Deadlines Approach For Upcoming NK Special Election

Voter registration and other deadlines loom for next month's referenda.

Deadlines for voter registration and mail-in ballots are fast approaching for next month's special election in North Kingstown in which the fate of Wickford Elementary School may be determined.

First-time voters, voters new to North Kingstown or those who have changed their name have until Aug. 13 to register to vote in the Sept. 13 election. North Kingstown residents can reigster at the on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Though the deadline falls on a Saturday, town hall will remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for last-minute registrations.

For those seeking a mail-in ballot, you have until Aug. 23 to file your request. Completed mail-in ballots must be received by the North Kingstown Board of Canvassers by 9 p.m. on the day of the election.

Find out what's happening in North Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This year's special election marks the debut of the so-called "no-excuse" mail ballots in Rhode Island. Voters may now request a mail-in ballot without having to cite one of a number of specific exemptions for why they needed the ballot.

Voter registration forms and mail-ballot applications can be downloaded at the .

Find out what's happening in North Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There will be three questons on this year's ballot: 

  1. $850,000 bond issue to finance the installation of artificial turf and make improvements to Field.
  2. $3.85-million bond to convert into a joint town hall and school administration building. 
  3. Would give the North Kingstown Town Council the authority to sell the school in the event the bonds are not issued.

Wickford Elementary School has been closed since 2005 after the school district was reconfigured. Both town and school officials have expressed interest in consolidating their offices and moving into the building.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here