"The perception that identity theft could occur at the polls weakens the public's faith in the integrity of our elections. Voting should be at least as secure as everyday tasks like renting a car or getting a library card that routinely require ID," said Mollis.
A wide range of IDs will be accepted including a R.I. driver's license, U.S. passport, college ID, debit or credit card, RIPTA bus pass, public housing ID, Medicare card and Social Security card.
Eligible voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls will not be turned away. They can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. If the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration, their ballot will be counted.
"Most people have some type of ID, but Rhode Island is a national model for inclusiveness. No one will be denied the opportunity to vote just because they do not bring an ID," said Mollis.
Although photo IDs will not be required until 2014, the Secretary of State's office will provide free IDs to voters who dont already have one. Upcoming stops include the Nickerson Community Center, 133 Delaine Street Providence, on Tues., April 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.
In order to obtain a Voter ID, voters must bring proof of identity such as a Social Security card, credit or debit card, utility bill or government-issued document. The Voter ID, which includes a color photo of the voter and the voter's full name as it appears in the state's voter registration database, will be created on the spot.
"Photo ID ensures that poll workers can match a face to the name that voters give them when they obtain their ballots at the polls. The simple act of asking for ID protects the rights of every voter," said Mollis.
A complete list of dates and locations where voters can obtain a Voter ID are posted on the Secretary of States website at sos.ri.gov. Mail ballots do not require ID.
Barack Obama will be the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination on the April 24 ballot. The Republican ballot will feature Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Buddy Roemer, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. In addition, nearly 120 Rhode Islanders are running to be a delegate at the Democratic or Republican National Convention.
Mollis advises voters to use his website at sos.ri.gov to help make their trip to the polls go smoothly. They can confirm the accuracy of their voter registration, find out where their polling place is and see a sample of their ballot.
"All that information is available with just a few clicks of your mouse. Checking ahead of time will help avoid problems when you go to the polls, Mollis said.
Most Rhode Islanders will find that their polling place has changed since the last time they voted. Statewide there will be 135 polling places open, more than 40 fewer than there were for the 2008 presidential primary and hundreds fewer than Election Day 2010.
Providence polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any eligible voter in line when the polls close will be allowed to cast a ballot. Voters can even bring a marked sample ballot or other material that will help them in the voting booth.
Rhode Islanders who unexpectedly find they will be unable to vote at their polling place on April 24 can go to their city or town hall through April 23 and request an Emergency Ballot.
The Secretary of State's office prepares the ballots for all federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. In addition, the office maintains the statewide voter registration list, encourages voter registration and turnout and creates guides to running for office and voting.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.