Amo, Leonard urge residents to cast their votes in CD1 special election Tuesday
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island voters will begin heading to the polls in a matter of hours to decide who they want to fill the 1st Congressional District seat.
The candidates on the ballot for the special election are Democrat Gabe Amo and Republican Gerry Leonard.
Amo, who won in the competitive Democratic primary, received an endorsement from former President Barack Obama over the weekend.
“President Obama is an inspiration to so many of us. I started in politics knocking on doors for him in multiple states and also it’s the fifteenth anniversary of his historic election in 2008 so it’s especially meaningful that he would take the time out to encourage Rhode Islanders to vote, vote, vote tomorrow,” Amo said.
Meanwhile, Leonard is a Marine veteran and political newcomer who got the early endorsement of the Rhode Island Republican Party.
“We feel optimistic. We understood when we entered this race it was an uphill battle, and we took a look at that and took a look at what was realistic and what wasn’t,” Leonard explained. “I understand the dynamics of this in the state of Rhode Island but I think the people of Rhode Island are ready for a change.”
In the home stretch, Leonard, who defines himself as a “New England Yankee Republican” received an endorsement from former Rhode Island Democratic Representative James McLaughlin.
“Locally here, picking up the endorsement of a former Democrat Representative in our state assembly, also was a big deal for us and I was excited about that and I think it’s a reflection of the fact that I’m marching to the beat of my own drum,” Leonard said.
Both candidates soaked up every last bit of Monday to get voters out to the polls.
“Everything matters and we need folks to participate and I’m confident that we’ll be successful tomorrow,” Amo explained.
“I’m glad everybody is afforded the opportunity to vote in a free and fair election, I encourage everybody to do it. I think voter participation in our democracy is incredibly valuable,” Leonard concluded.
Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To find your polling location, go to RI.gov.
