Politics

By IAN DONNIS and FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Independent Lincoln Chafee won a close race to become Rhode Island's next governor.

His victory comes after months in which his rivals sharply criticized his plan to add a one percent sales tax on currently exempt items. Unofficial results show Chafee with 36 percent, Republican John Robitaille with just under 34 percent, Democrat Frank Caprio with 23 percent, and Moderate Ken Block with just under seven percent.

Chafee vows candor will remain his signature as the state's next governor.

By ELISBAETH HARRSION

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Islanders have approved $177-million in bonds while rejecting a change to the state's official name.

The three bonds will raise millions of dollars for road and bridge repairs across the state chemistry labs at the University of Rhode Island, an arts center for Rhode Island College, improvements to Fort Adams and open space at Rocky Point and India Point.

By CATHERINE WELCH

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – It's Election Day and the Secretary of State's office says municipalities across the state have added nearly 90 new polling places since the September primary.

Depending on the community, most polls will be open between 7:00am and 9:00am and close at 9:00pm.

-SEE A SLIDESHOW FROM THE POLLS

By SCOTT MACKAY

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In Rhode Island, the Secretary of State is the top elections official - preparing ballots and certifying election results. The Secretary of State also helps businesses register with the state and keeps track of state documents and archives.

Click on the audio icon to hear with Republican candidate Catherine Taylor has to say about maintaining the state's archives.

By SCOTT MACKAY

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In Rhode Island, the Secretary of State is the top elections official - preparing ballots and certifying election results. The Secretary of State also helps businesses register with the state and keeps track of state documents and archives.

Click on the audio icon to hear what Democratic incumbent Ralph Mollis has to say about maintaining the state's archives.