Barack Obama  will appear first on the Democratic ballot, followed “Uncommitted.”

 Mitt Romney was selected first in the GOP lottery. He will be followed on the ballot by Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Buddy Roemer, “Uncommitted” and Ron Paul.

Today’s lottery also determined ballot position for the nearly 120 Rhode Islanders who are running to be a delegate at the Democratic or Republican National Convention. The process played out before an audience of about 30 candidates and supporters at the State House.

In order to be eligible to cast a ballot in the presidential primary, Rhode Islanders must register to vote by March 24. April 3 is the deadline to apply for a mail ballot.

We will use equipment borrowed from the R.I. Lottery to determine the order in which the candidates for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations will appear on the state’s April 24 primary ballot.

In a scene familiar to Rhode Islanders who watch the state’s daily lottery numbers selected on TV, candidates will be assigned numbered, specially calibrated, white plastic balls. After each ball floats to the top of the machine, we will announce where the corresponding candidate’s name will appear on the ballot.

Barack Obama will compete with “Uncommitted” for the top spot on the Democratic presidential primary ballot. Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Buddy Roemer, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum will compete with “Uncommitted” for ballot position on the Republican ballot.

We will also use the lottery machine to determine ballot position for the 119 Rhode Islanders who are running for the right to attend the Democratic or Republican National Convention as a delegate.