Conley also questioned what striking the words from the state's official name would achieve. Rhode Island voters on Tuesday approved shortening the state’s official name, removing the centuries-old phrase “and Providence Plantations.” (CNN)The smallest state in the nation bears the longest name: "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." "It is a hurtful term to so many of us.". The name change has been a decade's old battle. Election Date: Nov. 3, … Rhode Island Name Change Now in Effect. June 24, 2020 / 11:44 AM The smallest state in the U.S. bears the longest name: "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." "Accept the true and accurate history of what Rhode Island participated in, because it's out in the open," Williams said. "A decade has passed since the public was asked this question. There has been no public polling on the question, but longtime Rhode Island pollster Joe Fleming said this year has been different than the previous push. This change took effect … If your last name is hyphenated (-), has an apostrophe (') or space, enter your last name with or without these special characters. INSTRUCTIONS . Rhode Island Question 1 Election Results: Change the State Name R.I. Statewide Results Providence Plantations would be removed from Rhode Island’s official state name in its constitution. Upcoming Elections. Live Updates: Liz Cheney removed from House GOP leadership, Judge's ruling allows for longer sentence for Derek Chauvin, Panic buying, gas hoarding mount as pipeline shutdown drags on, Lawyer: New video shows Andrew Brown Jr.'s "cold-blooded killing", Israel vows to increase strikes until there's "total" quiet from Gaza, Watch Live: CDC panel votes on COVID vaccine for kids 12 and up, Ellen DeGeneres ending show after 19 seasons, Lawmakers consult DOJ in ongoing police reform talks, Watch Live: Biden speaks on COVID-19 response and vaccinations, Juneteenth: Story behind 155-year-old holiday. Over 7,300 people have signed a petition supporting the name change. "Nobody is trying to eradicate the history that has been in play," said Democratic state Rep. Anastasia Williams of Providence, who worked to get the question placed on the ballot this year following George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police and is now working with the "Yes on 1" campaign. Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly rejected the name change in a referendum a decade ago, voting 78% to 22% to keep the “Providence Plantations” phrase. We can't ignore how painful that is for Black Rhode Islanders to see that and have to see that as part of their state's name," added the 75th Governor of Rhode Island. You can register by mail to vote in Rhode Island by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. Rhode Island's historian laureate, Patrick Conley, opposes the measure. A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met. Sophie Lewis is a social media producer and trending writer for CBS News, focusing on space and climate change. ", The "Providence Plantations" in the state's official name comes from the settlement founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, which now includes the state's capital, Providence, according to, Although Rhode Island passed a law in 1652 banning African slavery, it was never enforced and the state later "played a leading role in the transatlantic slave trade," according to the, Rhode Islanders had more enslaved people "per capita than any other New England state," according to the John Carter Brown Library, including on, "Between the transatlantic slave trade and the West Indian provisioning trade, it is hard to imagine any eighteenth century Rhode Islander whose livelihood was not entangled, directly or indirectly, with slavery," according to the. On Thursday, lawmakers passed a joint resolution to … The state's official name is "the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," and the "Providence Plantations" portion has come under scrutiny in the aftermath of protests following the death of George Floyd. (You must be at least 18 years of age to vote on Election Day.) See election results, a county-by-county map and more for the Rhode Island Question 1 - Change State Name election on Nov. 3, 2020. Over 7,300 people have signed a petition supporting the name change. Enter your last known zip code. Some say “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” is a painful reminder of slavery. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Voters in Rhode Island took to the polls on Tuesday to vote on a referendum that would change the state’s official name. This isn't the first time the state has attempted to change its name: When the state tried in 2010, 78% of voters opposed the removal of "Providence Plantations." Opponents of … The Rhode Island Senate unanimously called for a statewide vote on the name … But next Tuesday, voters will have a … Voters in Rhode Island will get another chance to change the state's formal name, which includes the phrase “Providence Plantations." There is no organized opposition campaign filed with the state, though supporters of sticking with the full name are making themselves known in opinion pages and letters to the editor. Rhode Island wins vote to change ‘racist’ name. In 2010, the state's voters soundly rejected Question 1, which asked if the official name, "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," should be changed to simply "Rhode Island.". Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Next week, Rhode Islanders will be voting on whether to change the name of their state. Choose a political party or change parties. If you changed your address you may be registered under your previous address. History is what it is. "It is what it is. The smallest state in the nation has a big official name: The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. ", Regardless of the ballot question's outcome, some state and local leaders have already moved to strike "plantations" from the state's name in official communications by executive orders. Have your RI driver's license or State ID handy when updating your voter record. Rhode Island voters this Election Day have the chance to strike the last part -- "and Providence Plantations" -- from the state's full name. Rhode Island voters have approved a ballot measure to remove “plantations” from the state’s official name, reported The Associated Press. Have your RI driver's license or State ID handy when updating your voter record. A citizen of the United States. As a resident of Rhode Island, you can register to vote: Online. "Many of the State's residents find it painful that a word so closely associated with slavery should appear in the official name of the State," Raimondo wrote. “This world is at a crossroad in time,” said State Representative Anastasia Williams (RI-9), who co-sponsored the resolution to hold the referendum. Box 2: REQUIRED. Proponents of this year's ballot effort have spent at least $73,000 on a slick website, internal polling and digital advertising on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Google and Reddit, according to. Enter your last known zip code. This year’s Question 1 ballot proposition asked voters whether to amend the state’s constitution to change Rhode Island’s official name from “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” to simply “State of Rhode Island.” PJ Media "Rhode Island Moves to Become the First State to Change Its Name" 2nd Amendment Facebook Post Providence Journal, "R.I. Senate approves bill seeking public vote to … On Thursday, lawmakers passed a joint resolution to … Elections; Facebook Twitter Email. ", First published on June 23, 2020 / 3:50 PM. "Rhode Island was founded on the principles of acceptance and tolerance, and our state's name – and actions – should reflect those values," Raimondo tweeted Monday. Democratic Gov. The referendum asked voters if … The state of Rhode Island is moving to change its official name — "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" — due to its connection to slavery. Rhode Island voted to pass Question 1, dropping ’Providence Plantations” from its official state name. Every eligible Rhode Islander deserves equal access to the ballot, regardless of how they choose to vote. For the state’s official name to be permanently changed voters will need to vote to amend the Rhode Island Constitution in November. That is an act of, frankly, stupidity.". A poll conducted by Rhode Island United in September found that 40 percent of respondents supported the name change and 52 percent were against it. Lookup your personal information and then click Edit my voter record on the left side of the page. He and Williams cited the groundbreaking work by Brown University President Emerita Ruth J. Simmons studying the university and Rhode Island's role in the slave trade. You don't whitewash history. The people have spoken, and the state’s full name – The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations – will be shortened to remove language that has long been criticized for its slavery connotations, according to The Associated Press. A poll conducted by Rhode Island United in September found that 40 percent of respondents supported the name change and 52 percent were against it. "Removing the word 'plantation' -- it will never truly make the amends of the past, the horrors of the past, but at least makes amends," said Democratic state Sen. Harold Metts of Providence, another legislative sponsor of the ballot question. However, contrary to a headline in the Boston Globe newspaper , the change … The name change was previously put to a vote … By The Associated Press. In person. Rhode Island Ballot Measure - Question 1. Rhode Island votes to change state’s controversial official name Wire Services/ New York Post. A statewide ballot question asking Rhode Island voters to change the state's name appeared headed for approval Wednesday. Rhode Island is voting on removing 'Plantations' from the state's official name By Lauren Dezenski, CNN Updated 1147 GMT (1947 HKT) November 1, 2020 … This year’s Question 1 ballot proposition asked voters whether to amend the state’s constitution to change Rhode Island’s official name from “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” to simply “State of Rhode Island.” The Rhode Island Senate unanimously called for a statewide vote on the name change last week after the bill was introduced in part by the state's only Black senator, Harold Metts. Elizabeth Matczak, 23, of Westerly and a librarian, said the time had come to change the state’s name, just as a practical matter. "You want to wipe that away?". At least 16 years of age. The state's Voter Registration Center provides various online services, and registering to vote online is one of them. This year, Rhode Islanders again have a chance to shorten the state’s official name via a ballot question. Update 2: The vote count in Rhode Island is now complete, with the name change referendum passing by 53% to 47%, within a percentage point of the partial results reported earlier in the day. "If people knew Rhode Island's role in the slave trade, they would be more understanding," Metts said. That is why Let RI Vote is supporting a comprehensive set of changes that will give Rhode Islanders the opportunity to vote by mail, early, or on Election Day, and to enact same day registration. Rhode Island has dropped “Providence Plantations” from its official state name, according to The Associated Press. If you changed your address you may be registered under your previous address. Rhode Island Votes to Change State's Name 'Plantations' will be stripped from official name By Newser Editors and Wire Services The Rhode Island Senate unanimously called for a statewide vote on the name change last week after the bill was introduced in part by the state's only Black senator, Harold Metts. By mail. Right now, the smallest state in the union has the biggest official name… We're monitoring election changes related to COVID-19 and making updates to the information below as quickly as possible. “You can do that by voting Yes on 1.” This is the second time in 10 years that changing the state’s name has come before voters. Tiny Rhode Island has become the first of the 50 US states ever to change its name.. Rhode Island To Vote On Name Change Next week, Rhode Islanders will be voting on whether to change the name of their state. https://nypost.com/.../rhode-island-votes-to-change-states-official-name At the time Providence Plantations was founded, "plantations" simply referred to a tract of land or a farm, he said. Lookup your personal information and then click Edit my voter record on the left side of the page. With Post Wires. Question 1 was introduced by Representatives Joseph Almeida (D), Anastasia Williams (D), and Grace Diaz (D) on February 4, 2009. "Now, I think there's more of a reason, if they can get that out to the voters. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order Monday that could change the state's official name to exclude a portion that has ties to slavery. "My opposition is purely historical," he told CNN, insisting his opposition is not racist. Formerly named the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations since its accession to the Union in 1790, voters in the state approved an amendment in November 2020 to the state constitution, renaming itself the State of Rhode Island. In the world?" The name change is only one facet of what Rhode Island needs to do to increase racial equity, Williams said. Rhode Island resumed vote counting Wednesday after record turnout that delivered its four electoral votes to Joe Biden and returned all three of the state's congressional Democrats to Washington. The move to allow the ballot question passed in the legislature easily this summer. Election: Nov. 3, 2020 (General) Outcome: Passed Categories: Constitution "The word 'Providence' is for God's divine providence in giving Roger Williams a place to establish the American principle of religious liberty and church-state separation," Conley said of Providence Plantations' founder. Rhode Island’s name change joins a growing list of other successful ballot measures this year, including legalized marijuana in five states and a new flag for Mississippi. The smallest state in the nation bears the longest name: "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." Change your name and/or address on your registration. Rhode Island resumed vote counting on Wednesday after record turnout that delivered its four electoral votes to Joe Biden and returned all three of … A representative for Raimondo on Tuesday agreed that it would take voter action to take "plantation" out of formal state titles. TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN RI YOU MUST BE: A legal resident of Rhode Island. Associated Press | Nov 03, 2020 at 3:23 PM . Apparently Rhode Island's full name is "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order on Monday to change what appears on government documents, and the state's legislature is moving forward with a bill to alter the name entirely. Voters in Rhode Island, on America’s east coast, took to the state’s polls to vote on a referendum that would change the state’s official name – The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations – after years of criticism for its “racist” connotations. Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo has signed an executive order announcing the state would move forward with changing its official name due to its ties to American slavery.. Remember to have your Rhode Island driver's license or state ID ready. He said he can trace his own family history of enslavement to a plantation in Virginia. Rhode Island Airport Corporation spokesman Bill Fischer said the name change is expected to cost the airport $200. Updated 1147 GMT (1947 HKT) November 1, 2020. Even many Americans don't realize that Rhode, Island, the smallest US state by area, actually had a longer official name until last year: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.. It will also remove the word "plantations" from all state agency websites and official correspondence, effective "as soon as practicable.". "I don't think there was any strong reason why it should change at that time," Fleming said of the 2010 effort. Voters defeated Rhode Island Name Change Amendment, Question 1, in 2010 with 77.9 percent of voters deciding against the change. The proposed Rhode Island laws would make it easier to vote by mail ballot and they would support in-person early voting. Online. Rhode Island voters this Election Day have the chance to strike the last part -- … PJ Media "Rhode Island Moves to Become the First State to Change Its Name" 2nd Amendment Facebook Post Providence Journal, "R.I. Senate approves bill seeking public vote to … Rhode Island voters have approved a ballot measure to remove “plantations” from the state’s official name, reported The Associated Press. / CBS News. "Whatever the history of the term is in Rhode Island, it is an unnecessary and painful reminder of our nation's racist past," Metts, who traces his lineage on his mother's side to the Speck Plantation near Charlottesville, Virginia, said in a statement. Rhode Island is resuming vote counting after record turnout that delivered its four electoral votes to Joe Biden and returned all three ... Rhode Island name change in balance as last votes counted. Rhode Island is the first state to change its name without a change of territory, according to the website of Vote Yes on One, an organization that advocated for the name change. At the same event, Jorge Elorza, the mayor of Providence, warned voters did not support the change back in 2010. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer. "But we need to present the true and accurate history of it entirely, as opposed to just bits and pieces. ", The order will shorten the name to "Rhode Island" in official communications from the governor's office, including executive orders and citations, and will also change the state's website. Rhode Island Question 1, the Name Change Amendment, was on the November 2, 2010 ballot in the state of Rhode Island as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. In 2010, about 78 percent of Rhode Island voters cast ballots against shortening the state’s name. If your last name is hyphenated (-), has an apostrophe (') or space, enter your last name with or without these special characters. A statewide ballot question asking Rhode Island voters to change the state's name appeared headed for approval Wednesday. The state Legislature has indicated it will move forward with the referendum after the Rhode Island Senate passed a measure last week calling for a statewide vote on the name change. The changes would also bring new … The referendum asked voters if … "What does that accomplish? Gina Raimondo's executive order struck the term from state documents, and Democratic Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza's, "We can't ignore the image conjured by the word plantation," Raimondo, Announcing his office's decision to strike the term from official documents, Democratic Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, 2020 ballot questions: What states are voting on besides the US presidential election, Brown University Steering Committee on Slavery and Justice's 2007 report. Voters in Rhode Island will get another chance to change the state's formal name, which includes the phrase “Providence Plantations." Lawmakers consult Justice Department in ongoing police reform talks, Ben Crump says lawmakers committed to "meaningful" police reform, Atlanta officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks is reinstated, Derek Chauvin seeks new trial in George Floyd case, Teacher suspended after calling George Floyd a "criminal" in class, California Privacy/Information We Collect. Vote to change the name will be in November. ELECTION RESULTS. The nine "no" votes for the name change included six Democrats and three Republicans. Voters in one US state have won the right to change its “racist” name, following years of criticism over connotations of slavery. See election results, a county-by-county map and more for the Rhode Island Question 1 - Change State Name election on Nov. 3, 2020. But Metts said he has renewed hope. Register to Vote in Rhode Island. "The pain that this association causes to some of our residents should be of concern to all Rhode Islanders and we should do everything in our power to ensure that all communities can take pride in our State. While the same question was … Register to vote in Rhode Island. Does that advance race relations in America? To update your voter registration online: Go to Your Voter Information Center. ... "I was glad to vote to have it removed," she said. Governor Gina Raimondo addresses protesters, saying a prayer with them and telling them she will listen and work with them, after they called for her to come out and hear their demands during a Black Lives Matter rally on the steps of the State House in Providence, Rhode Island on June 5, 2020. Remember to have your Rhode Island driver's license or state ID ready. In 2010, Rhode Islanders overwhelmingly rejected a previous name change ballot measure, with nearly 80% of voters voting against the idea. Big changes — shopping ... Amid unease over the word ‘plantation,’ Rhode Islanders voting on state name change. Rhode Island Gov. Presidential Senate House Governors • 2020 Rhode Island Question 1 - Change State Name Election Results. Go to Your Voter Information Center. Amid unease over the word ‘plantation,’ Rhode Islanders voting on state name change. But others, including some candidates for local office, say they see no reason for a change. 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