The League of Women Voters of R.I. (LWVRI), its Board, local Leagues and our members acknowledge how during these extraordinary times, Rhode Island’s election was well-run and secure. The League recognizes the planning and dedication this required and wants to thank the Board of Elections, the Rhode Island Secretary of State, local Boards of Canvassers, poll workers, volunteers and grassroots organizations — including the R.I. Voting Access Coalition, which includes the LWVRI — that made this election so successful.

We want to give a special shout out to East Bay Media Group, our partner and hosts of debates/forums throughout the East Bay area. Each debate received hundreds of views thanks to the leaders for the newspapers and LWVRI. Together we played a major role in asking relevant questions and providing answers to help East Bay residents make informed voting decisions.

Additionally, the League is impressed by the increased number of voters who participated in this election, not only in Rhode Island, but throughout the country. It may be that this particular election elicited this level of participation, but we think it was also the extended early voting availability, easier mail-in ballot procedures and increased communication about how, when and where to vote.

This uptick in participation should be encouraged, and the changes implemented to make voting easier, more convenient and accessible adopted permanently. The League will be contacting the members and leadership of the General Assembly to advocate for these changes. For more information, visit LWVRI.org

Jane Koster
Jamestown

Faye Zuckerman
Bristol

Ms. Koster and Ms. Zuckerman are League president and vice president, respectively.