Less than two weeks before the Rhode Island primary, some voters in Newport have already begun casting their ballots by mail or early in person.

According to the Rhode Island Turnout Tracker, as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 219 Newport voters had so far participated in the state’s 2024 primary election..

The Election Commission received 119 absentee ballots from Newport voters, and 100 cast their votes early.

Voters in Newport’s wards 1, 2 and 3 will have on their ballots a choice between incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse and Michael J. Costa for Senator in Congress in the Democratic primary and between Patricia Morgan and Raymond T. McKay for Senator in Congress in the Republican primary.

Voters in Newport’s District 1 will also find a race for the nonpartisan Council District 1 on their Democratic and Republican primary ballots. They will be able to choose between Hugo J. DeAscentis, Jr., Ellen M. Pinnock and Charles F. Pattavina.

According to the Rhode Island Department of State, there are 13,714 active voters in Newport. Approximately 45% (6,224) are registered Democrats, 42% are unaffiliated, and 12% (1,673) are registered Republicans.

Across the state, 8,073 voters cast their ballots—4,529 by mail and 3,544 by early voting. That represents a statewide turnout of about 1.0%.

Early voting for the 2024 Rhode Island primary begins Wednesday, August 21, and runs through Monday, September 9. Early voting locations and times

The primary election will take place on Tuesday, September 10. Find your polling place | View sample ballot

The voter registration deadline for the November 5 general election is Sunday, October 6.