Complete Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

Rhode Island allows you to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot for voting in primary, special, and general elections for local, State and Federal offices. If you have requested your absentee ballot, feel free to use the FWAB to vote anytime before an election.

You may not need to fill out this entire form. Check out the instructions below to see what information your State requires.

Open Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks of the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation are required:

Block 1: Rhode Island does not require voter registration. Do not check the regsitration block.

Block 2: Select the category that describes you.

Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 4: Date of Birth

Enter your valid Rhode Island Driver's License number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, OR your State voter registration number.

Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required.

Block 6: Enter your political party affiliation if you want to vote in primary elections.

Block 7: Complete street address of your Rhode Island voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 9. This address must be within the city or town where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 8: Enter your current mailing address.

Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application.

Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and seal.

Envelope Templates

Open Security Envelope Template

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

The postage-paid envelope may be used in the U.S. postal system which includes: all U.S. Military Post Offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. Embassies/Consulates

Mail

You must mail your back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to your local election official. Find your county or city in the address list below to locate your election official.

Open Election Official Address List

Don't know your county? Go to the county finder. Don't know your zip code? Go to the United States Postal Service website.

Fax

You can fax your ballot only if you faxed your FPCA for ballot request. If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to the Secretary of State at 401.222.1444.You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703)696-2148
DSN 426-2148

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers.

Open Fax Coversheet

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

• Want to submit your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot by fax? Remember that by faxing your voted ballot you are waiving your right to secrecy.
• If using our Electronic Transmission Service you must use the Fax Coversheet.
• If you receive your State absentee ballot after submitting your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, fill it out and return it. The State absentee ballot will be counted instead of the back-up ballot if it's received in time.