The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 17, 2025
Rhode Island has given access to a permanent vote-by-mail list to all its voters, in a bill signed by Governor Dan McKee. The state joins nine other states and DC allowing voters to join a permanent vote by mail list.
The state’s permanent list was previously available QUOTE “. . . because of physical illness or infirmity or because I am disabled for an indefinite period.”
Unlike systems in several other states, however, after opting in, Rhode Island voters automatically receive a mail-in-voting application, not a ballot. That application still needs to be filled out and returned, with an absentee ballot sent later. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have similar systems, according to Voting Rights Lab.
Arizona, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Virginia and DC have permanent vote-by-mail lists for any voter. Eleven other states have permanent lists for the disabled, and Louisiana has a permanent absentee list available for seniors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Some states recently made their formerly “permanent” lists only “semi-permanent.” Florida’s, formerly four years, now requires re-application after an even-year general election. Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota allow only a year.
Your status can be checked at your local election office or state portal, if available. We have links to more information on Rhode Island’s new law at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Rhode Island Legislature – HB 5709 Text
Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office – Vote from Home (No details of new list sign-up yet)
Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office – Online Vote by Mail Application
National Conference of State Legislatures – States With Permanent Absentee Voting Lists
Voting Rights Lab – Rhode Island expands access to permanent mail ballot application list to all voters, establishes election worker protections.
MIT Election Data & Science Lab – Voting by mail and absentee voting
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause RI, League of Women Voters RI, Economic Progress Institute
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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