Lottery Decides Top Spots on Presidential Primary Ballot

Using equipment borrowed from the state lottery, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis today set the order in which the candidates for the Democrat and Republican presidential nomination will appear on the state’s April 24 primary ballot.

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.