R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-5
The "residence", as defined in § 17-1-3.1, of any person immediately prior to the commencement of that person's active service as a member of the armed forces or of the merchant marine of the United States, or immediately prior to his or her absence from the state in the performance of "services intimately connected with military operations" as defined in § 17-20-3(d), or immediately prior to his or her employment outside of the United States as defined in § 17-20-3(c), shall, for the purposes of this chapter, continue to be that person's residence during the time of his or her service and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, unless the person changes his or her residence by registering or by taking other appropriate action to qualify to vote in another city or town within this state or in another state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-5