The Rhode Island petition deadline for independent presidential candidates, and the presidential candidates of unqualified parties, is not until September 5. However, groups that wish to circulate such petitions must turn in a declaration of candidacy for at least one candidate for presidential elector by 4 pm, Wednesday, June 25.

As of June 24, these groups had already filed a declaration of candidacy for at least one candidate for presidential elector: Constitution, Green, Libertarian, Socialist, Socialist Workers, and Socialism & Liberation. An electoral slate pledged to Ralph Nader should be filed on June 25, and possibly others will be filed on June 25.