This Sunday FairVote RI witnessed voter excitement first-hand, registering many in both English and Spanish at the Broad Street Farmers Market.

Now Rhode Island's Secretary of State, A. Ralph Mollis, is giving a number to the enthusiasm many of us have experienced. He predicts up to 500,000 Rhode Islanders may vote, which would set a new record for the state.

From the SoS:

Find Your Polling Place Now and Save Time on Election Day

Based on a surge in voter registrations and mail ballot requests, we project as many as 500,000 Rhode Islanders could vote, which would be the heaviest turnout in recent years.

Use our Voter Information Center and other on-line tools to get you in and out of the polls quickly on November 4.  Find out where you will vote, confirm that your voter registration information is accurate and see the ballot you will use on Election Day.

“On November 4, some Rhode Islanders may be headed to their third different polling place this year alone. We are working with the state Board of Elections and local boards of canvassers to ensure voting goes smoothly," says Secretary of State Mollis.

The heaviest turnout is expected from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., so plan to vote during off hours. We are working with many of the state’s chambers of commerce to encourage employers to allow their employees to vote during off hours.

In addition to the race for president, the November ballot will feature contests for Jack Reed’s U.S. Senate seat as well as Rhode Island’s two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are also races for state representative, state senate, town council and school committee in many communities.