Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea today announced the launch of a redesigned Department of State web site. The new site, created entirely through in-house efforts, offers a straightforward interface that will make it easier for Rhode Islanders to quickly access the information they need.

"As Secretary of State, I've been working to make this office a modern gateway that connects Rhode Islanders and their government," Gorbea said in remarks distributed to local media. "We spoke to a number of different stakeholders and redesigned the website to have a much simpler navigation, to be more user-friendly and make government more accessible overall."

Based on that feedback, the web site is now structured around four key areas:

• The Business Portal provides a step-by-step process for entrepreneurs and current business owners to start or qualify their business in Rhode Island, along with easy access to the Department's online filing system.
• The Elections and Voting Portal offers key information for voters and candidates. Users can link directly to the Voter Information Center where registered voters can find their polling place and learn about what's on their local ballot.
• The Open Government Portal provides access to the Department's searchable databases including lobby tracker, open meetings, and rules and regulations.
• The Civics and Education Portal highlights the many ways Rhode Islanders can learn about and engage with our state's rich and diverse history.

  In addition, the website offers quick access to services for frequent users such as state and local government agencies, notaries public, and registered lobbyists.
  Users are encouraged to interact with the website at www.sos.ri.gov.

  Editorial note: Written from an RI.gov news release.

Gov. Gina Raimondo and "First Gentleman" Andy Moffit welcome visitors. (click to embiggen)

Newly elected Governor Gina Raymondo and her husband Andy Moffit welcomed visitors to the Rhode Island State House this afternoon, in a 3-hour event that featured performers and food and beverages from around the state.

Admission was free, and most visitors brought donations of nonperishable food items for the Rhode Island Food Bank, whose bins by the State House door were quickly filled as hundreds of folks from around the state came to meet the history-making Governor. At one point, the reception line was an hour long.

Visitors could sample treats from two dozen restaurants and specialty shops while wandering around the State House. "You get to see things you never saw," one visitor said to a reporter, as they wandered around in the conference room behind the House of Representatives chamber.

After the reception in the State House, the Governor and her family hosting a free skating event at the Providence rink.