Voter Registration

The Higher Education Act requires the University to make a good faith effort to distribute voter registration information to all enrolled students. Studies show that registering to vote is key to increasing turnout.

It is important that you exercise your right to vote. To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen and be at least 18 years old at the time of the election.

Students may register to vote in one of two places - here in Newport, or in their hometown. Many states, including the state of Rhode Island, have online registration. You can check this link to see if your home state allows for online voter registration.

Students who wish to register to vote in Rhode Island may register online or submit a form via the Rhode Island Voter Registration webpage.

For more information, contact:
Rhode Island Board of Elections
2000 Plainfield Pike
Cranston, RI 02921
(401) 222-2345
Board of Elections website

Students who wish to register to vote in their home state may request a National Voter Registration Form. Arrangements to obtain an absentee ballot are available online. In addition, the McKillop Library has voter registration forms and absentee ballot forms for select states, and library staff are available to assist students with voter registration.

Please note: If you are temporarily residing in Rhode Island for school, you are welcome to register in Rhode Island, but it may affect your financial aid status. Please check with your student loan provider(s) before changing your voter registration record to a new state.