By Randal Edgar

PROVIDENCE, RI.I. -- Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis has released the official state election calendar for this campaign season.

The 2010 calendar lists key dates for this year's races, including those for local office to those for governor and the U.S. House of Representatives.

"You will find key deadlines and basic facts about everything from registering to vote to filing declarations of candidacy and nominating papers," Mollis said in a news release. "This guide also contains important dates and details regarding the campaign finance regulations."

The first crucial date is April 1. That is the deadline for candidates to change their party affiliation if they plan to run under a different party banner.

Candidates must announce their intention to run for office by filing candidacy declarations from June 28 to June 30. Then, from July 7 through 16, they must collect enough signatures from eligible voters to be placed on the ballot.

People who want to vote in the Sept. 14 state primary must register by Aug. 14. Those who want to vote in the Nov. 2 general election must register by Oct. 2, the news release says.

The calendar will be posted on the Secretary of State's Web Site. Hardcopies are available upon request.