Rhode Island’s presidential primary almost — almost — mattered this year, on the Republican side anyway. But Rick Santorum’s decision earlier this month to suspend his campaign made Mitt Romney the all-but-certain GOP nominee.

That doesn’t mean candidates such as Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul don’t want votes. The more votes they get, the more delegates they earn and the more influence they could have on the Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla., in August. In fact, Callista Gingrich was in East Greenwich and Ron Paul himself paid a visit to URI just last week. In total, there are five Republicans on the R.I. ballot: Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.

And Democrats are being encouraged to vote too. That's an easier choice, since there's only one name — President Barack Obama — on the ballot.

The polls in East Greenwich open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Because it’s a primary election, there are only two polling places: Swift Community Center and East Greenwich High School. If you are unsure where to go, contact Elaine Vespia at the EG Town Clerk’s office: 401- 886-8603 or evespia@eastgreenwichri.com. Or go to the R.I. Secretary of State website by clicking here.

One thing that’s new this year is you will be asked to show a form of identification, such as a driver’s license, a state-issued I.D., or a passport.