EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Some voters throughout Rhode Island have already cast their ballots early. On Tuesday, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said that he believes early voting is “incredible,” and allows voters to have multiple options. “It takes away the stress of waiting for Election Day and not knowing what the weather conditions are going to be and not knowing how many people will be waiting in line,” DaSilva said. East Providence voters credited similar reasons for voting early. “We are going to be away on Election Day, we’re going to be out of town on vacation, so we wanted to be sure to get in and vote,”  Riverside resident Lawrence Beer said. “We’re actually new to Rhode Island so this has been a great experience,” Riverside resident Cheryl Ann Beer said. “It took all of five minutes. I found it simple and easy to do.” “I usually come early just so I can avoid a line on the day,” Rumford resident Amanda Mercurio said. “I think it frees up people to come on Election Day, for people who can only get off work that day.” As of Oct. 28, 5,700 people have already voted in East Providence, ranking the city fifth overall for early voting in Rhode Island, according to DaSilva. “East Providence tends to lead the way when it comes to early voting,” DaSilva said. With many Americans already headed to the polls before Election Day, Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss said he believes the race will be “super close.” “The closing message from Democrats needs to be cost of living,” Auchincloss said. “It’s a $10,000 swing. Donald Trump, through his tariff plan, wants to raise taxes on the average American family by up to $4,000 a year. Kamala Harris, with her child tax credit expansion, wants to put $6,000 in the pockets of the average American family every year.” Early voting continues up until Election Day, with hours depending on a resident’s city or town. Categories: News, Rhode Island