Of 322 regular elections in Rhode Island—159 (49%) are uncontested. An uncontested election is one where the number of candidates on the ballot is less than or equal to the number of seats up for election. 

Of the 26 states where Ballotpedia is covering every election on Nov. 5, Rhode Island has the 19th highest rate of uncontested elections.

There are at least 15 office types up for election in Rhode Island this year. 

Tax commissioner, treasurer, assessor, constable, water board, and local judge have the highest rate of uncontested elections at 100%. Elections for the office of clerk have the next highest uncontested rate at 83%, followed by fire board at 80%.

Local councilmember has the highest rate of contested elections at 100%. The next highest contested office type in Rhode Island is mayor at 75%, followed by board of education at 69%.

Rhode Island has a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature. Among states with Democratic trifectas, 55% of elections are uncontested and 45% are contested. Those rates for Republican trifectas are 64% and 36%, respectively. In states with a divided government, 56% of elections are uncontested and 44% are contested. 

Through October 2024, Ballotpedia has covered 36,068 elections in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories in 2024 alone. Of that total, 27,164 (75%) were uncontested and 8,904 (25%) were contested. To learn more about this analysis, click here!