The provisional ballots still matter in elections. They are counted on the second Wednesday after each election even if it does not affect the outcome.
And in close elections, the provisional ballots can mean the difference between electing someone who accurately represents the people and someone who does not.
More than 80,000 Maryland voters who have changed their registration information in the past year will have to cast provisional ballots in order to participate in Tuesday's primary due to a computer malfunction.
A provisional ballot allows someone to vote, but is reviewed by a local board of elections that can be accepted or rejected.
"All affected voters who updated their registration through the MVA should know that they are eligible to vote, even if their updated information does not appear in the poll book" the MD Democratic Party said in a tweet.
To vote by provisional ballot, you need to go to your polling place where an election official will give you a provisional ballot application where you will complete and sign it. Then the election judge will give you the provisional ballot that you must fill out. You put the ballot in its envelope and place it in the ballot bag provided by your election judge.
Seems like a lot of effort? Maybe, but it's worth it.
The provisional ballots still matter in elections. They are counted on the second Wednesday after each election even if it does not affect the outcome.
And in close elections, the provisional ballots can mean the difference between electing someone who accurately represents the people and someone who does not.
Every vote counts, so make sure that yours is accounted for.
For more detailed information on how to vote, please visit: https://elections.maryland.gov/voting/provisional_voting.html
