President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders on election administration (and the recent revelation that non-citizens have voted in NJ and CT while RI uses the same election software vendor) have once again focused national attention on election integrity. The executive orders called for stronger safeguards surrounding voter eligibility and mail ballots, while Rhode Island joined other states in challenging portions of it in court. The courts will ultimately decide where federal authority ends and state authority begins. But amid all the political debate, one truth should unite every Rhode Islander: Your vote matters. In fact, during a midterm election, it matters more than most people realize.

Midterm elections consistently attract fewer voters than presidential elections. In Rhode Island, only 44% of registered voters participated in the 2022 midterm election while 65% of voters turned out for the 2024 election. When turnout is lower, every ballot represents a larger share of the electorate. Mathematically, because turnout was much lower, a voter who participated in the 2022 midterm represented nearly 50% more of the voting electorate than a voter who participated in the 2024 presidential election. That means your single vote carries greater influence over the outcome. (See chart in comments.)

That isn’t just a mathematical exercise. Rhode Island elections repeatedly prove that a few dozen votes can determine who represents thousands of people. Elections that receive little statewide attention often have enormous consequences for healthcare, taxes, education, public safety, and the laws that govern our daily lives. In Rhode Island, recent examples include:

In 2024, in Senate District 29 in Warwick, the Democrat candidate defeated the incumbent Republican Senator by just 44 votes following a recount. Just dozens of votes determined who would represent thousands of Rhode Islanders in the State Senate. The Republican lost despite winning Election Day because his opponent built a substantial advantage in early and mail voting.

In 2022, in House District 21 in Warwick, the Republican candidate lost her race by only 33 votes, and in 2024, she won by 91 votes, demonstrating once again that legislative seats can be decided by only a small number of voters. These races illustrate the opposite lesson. Although the Republican trailed in early and mail voting, strong Election Day turnout carried her to victory in 2024 after narrowly losing the seat in 2022. Every legal vote mattered.

Overall, in 2024, 11% of Rhode Island voters cast their ballot by mail. And a third of Rhode Island voters cast their ballots early in 2024. You can use this interactive tool on the Secretary of State’s website to see how your community voted (see chart and link in comments.)

It is widely believed that Republicans prefer to vote in person. There is nothing wrong with that. Casting your ballot on Election Day is a proud tradition for many voters. But every Republican should also ask an honest question: Will I actually make it to the polls on Election Day? Work obligations, family commitments, illness, travel, bad weather, or unexpected emergencies can derail even the best intentions. If there is any doubt, consider taking advantage of Rhode Island’s legal early voting or mail ballot options. A vote cast legally by mail or during early voting counts exactly the same as a vote cast on Election Day. Requesting a mail ballot can be done in under one minute online. (And while you are there, please make sure everyone in your household of voting age is registered to vote. See link in comments.)

One thing is for certain: Republicans don’t lose elections because legally registered people vote early or by mail. They lose elections when Republicans who intended to vote never cast a ballot at all. In fact, tens of thousands of Rhode Island Republicans never cast their vote in the last midterm election. Waiting until the final day unnecessarily risks losing votes that could determine the outcome of a close race. If voting by mail or voting early is the difference between voting and staying home, choose the option that ensures your voice is heard.

The question isn’t whether your vote matters. Rhode Island’s recent elections have already answered that. The real question is whether you’ll make sure your vote is one of the ones that’s counted. Vote early. Vote by mail if you need to. Vote on Election Day if you can. Just don’t stay home.

8/10- Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline (Last Date to Register to Vote in the Primary)

8/19- Primary Election, Mail Ballot Deadline

8/20- Primary Election, Early Voting Begins

10/4- General Election, Voter Registration Deadline (Last Date to Register to Vote in the General)

10/13- General Election, Mail Ballot Request Deadline

10/14- General Election, Early Voting Starts

11/3- General Election Day