PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Voters in four Rhode Island communities will head to the polls Tuesday to choose new mayors and town leaders, decide millions of dollars in public works projects and even adjust their election calendars.
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis urged voters in Central Falls, Jamestown, Woonsocket and North Kingstown to participate in the off-year elections.
"Be prepared to make your voice heard," Mollis said in a written statement. "Voting is the best opportunity most of us have to have a say in the future of our community."
In Woonsocket, voters will decide a mayoral race between City Council President Leo Fontaine and retired police officer Todd Brien.
Brien ran for mayor during the last two elections, but lost to Mayor Susan Menard, who is stepping down after 14 years. Menard was the city's first female mayor and has served longer than any other chief executive since the city was incorporated in 1888. Fontaine has been elected to the city council eight times and is making his first run for mayor.
Voters in Central Falls will pick a new mayor and fill a city council seat, while seven candidates are competing for five town council spots in Jamestown, which is also having a referendum on whether to move its elections to even-numbered years like 36 other Rhode Island cities and towns.
A referendum question in North Kingstown asks voters to decide on a $10 million bond for a sewer construction project.
