Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis wants Rhode Island companies to host voter registration drives leading up to the November 6 elections.

“Our ‘Voters in the Workplace’ initiative meets the needs of employers and workers by moving voter registration to the factory floor and the main office,” said Mollis.

In addition to targeting first-time voters, the campaign gives voters who have moved or changed their names a convenient way to update their records as required by state law.

“This is simply another way for employers to respond to the needs of their associates. “Employees no longer have to take time

out of work to register or update their voter registration at town hall. We come to them,” said Mollis.

Companies like Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cox Communications and TACO have hosted drives since the initiative was rolled out in 2008. Tens of thousands of employees were encouraged to register to vote, to update their voter registration and to turn out to vote.

First launched in 2008, “Voters in the Workplace” encourages Rhode Island companies to host voter registration drives, post links to voter registration forms on their intranets, display voter- registration posters and distribute broadcast email to their employees.

“It’s easy for Rhode Island companies to host a voter registration drive on their job site – just invite us. We supply everything. Most of the voter registration drives are held in conference rooms, cafeterias or other gathering spaces in the workplace,” said Mollis.

In order to register to vote, you must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen.

“Voters in the Workplace” will also make voters aware of the state’s new Voter ID law. Beginning this year, poll workers will ask voters to show ID when they vote. A wide range of common photo IDs – including R.I. driver’s licenses and employee ID cards – will be accepted at the polls.

Voter ID will be phased in over two election cycles. In 2012 and 2013, voters can also use a variety of non-photo IDs including a Social Security card, bank statement or any government-issued document. Beginning in 2014, only photo ID will be accepted.

Most importantly, no eligible voter will be denied the right to vote. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls 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.

Companies that are interested in more information about “Voters in the Workplace” should contact Chris Barnett of the Secretary of State’s office at 222- 4293 or cbarnett@sos.ri.gov.

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