Primaries for state elections will be held today. Voters registered in Rhode Island's first congressional district can vote in Salomon Center between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In accordance with Rhode Island law, voters are required to present identification - such as a driver's license, voter ID card or passport - to cast a vote in today's election. Individuals without identification may cast provisional ballots at their polling place, which will be reviewed later to ensure the voter is registered in Rhode Island. Voters must have registered before Aug. 12 to be eligible to vote in today's primaries.
U.S. House
Fresh on the heels of the candidates' final debate last Thursday, incumbent U.S. Rep. David Cicilline '83, D-R.I., faces businessmen Anthony Gemma and Christopher Young in today's Democratic primary to represent Rhode Island's first congressional district. The race, primarily a contest between Cicilline and Gemma, has consistently generated headlines for its rancor. Gemma has accused Cicilline of committing voter fraud in several elections over the past decade and lying to voters about his record as Providence's mayor from 2002-10. Cicilline, the Democratic party's endorsed candidate, has apologized for misleading voters about the city's financial strength, but he maintains that Gemma's claims of voter fraud are "baseless." The winner of the primary will face Republican Brendan Doherty - the former superintendent of the Rhode Island state police who is running unopposed in his party's primary - in the general election in November.
In Rhode Island's second district, six-term U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., faces the most significant challenge from carpenter John Matson, marking the fifth time the two have fought for the nomination. The winner of the Democratic primary will vie against the winner of the Republican primary - predicted to be businessman Michael Riley or lawyer Michael Gardiner - as well as Independent Abel Collins.
R.I. Senate
Gayle Goldin and Maryellen Butke are facing off in today's primary to replace state Sen. Rhoda Perry P'91, D-Providence, who is vacating her seat in the Rhode Island General Assembly after 22 years. The two candidates share positions on many issues, notably diverging on education policy. Goldin is critical of Butke's support for charter schools, while Butke contends that Goldin lacks experience working with public education.
Goldin has received endorsements from the Democratic State Senatorial Committee, the National Education Association - the largest teachers union in the country - and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. Butke has not received any endorsements, which she has attributed to an absence from Providence in August.
R.I. House of Representatives
Libby Kimzey, a former member of the class of 2009, will appear on the ballot in Rhode Island's eighth district in a race to unseat freshman incumbent state Rep. Michael Tarro, D-Federal Hill, Olneyville and Valley. Kimzey, who has been endorsed by Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, and Tarro, who has the support of Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox, D-Providence, will face former acting mayor of Providence and 26-year city councilman John Lombardi. Lombardi has picked up endorsements from the Providence Teachers Union and the Teamsters Local 251. The winner of the Democratic primary will run unopposed in the general election Nov. 6.
President
On the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, President Obama officially accepted the Democratic Party's nomination to once again be its candidate for president of the U.S. The convention featured speakers ranging from former president Bill Clinton to Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee '75 P'14 P'16. Taveras and Rhode Island General Treasurer Gina Raimondo attended the convention and participated in forums where they discussed their approaches to pensions and municipal finance. Experts suspect Taveras and Raimonodo will challenge Chafee for the governorship in 2014.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., were also present at the convention.
