Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea has outlined key information and dates for Rhode Island’s special referenda election on March 2, 2021. The seven referenda questions, totaling $400 million authorize the state to borrow money through bonds and temporary notes to make capital investments in seven different areas. They include $107.3 million for higher education facilities; $74 million for beaches and clean water; $65 million for housing and community opportunity; $71.7 million for transportation and infrastructure; $15 million for early childhood care and education capital fund; $7 million for Cultural A rts and the Economy Grant Program and State Preservation Grants Program and $60 million for industrial facilities infrastructure. 

“Your vote is your voice in how Rhode Island allocates funding on issues important to you - things like education, roads and bridges, housing, and childcare,” Secretary Gorbea said in a statement. “Your vote matters and is critical to our state’s success. I encourage all eligible Rhode Islanders to make a difference and be a voter.”

 As in last November’s General Election, voters will have three options to cast their ballot in the March 2 special election. Voters may choose to cast their ballot by mail, early in-person up to 20 days before the election, or at the polls on Election Day.  

To ensure that all voters have the option of voting safely and securely from home, Secretary Gorbea will once again send all active registered voters a mail ballot application. Mail ballot applications will begin arriving in mailboxes the week of January 18. Voters will once again be able to track the status of their mail ballot application and their mail ballot on vote.ri.gov.

 All voters will also be mailed a Voter Information Handbook in early February. The Voter Information Handbook will outline each bond question in detail, as well as voting procedures in Rhode Island. This information will also be made available on vote.ri.gov. Below is a list of key dates for the March 2 statewide special election.