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What is a provisional ballot and why might you need one?

Here's a break down of the provisional voting process

WASHINGTON — Some voters may need a provisional ballot for Election Day to cast their votes in the presidential election. But what is a provisional ballot and what are they used for? Here's a full break down of the process.

What is a provisional ballot?

Provisional ballots provide a way for someone who thinks they are an eligible voter to vote. If the local board of elections determines that the provisional voter is registered and eligible to vote using a provisional ballot, the ballot will be counted. If the voter is not eligible to vote provisional ballot, it may be rejected. A provisional ballot is not an alternative to the electronic voting system. 

Local election officials reviews each provisional ballot during its canvass of votes cast to determine if the vote will be counted.

Why might you have to vote with a provisional ballot?

You may have to vote with a provision ballot for several reasons:

  • Election officials could not find your name on the list of voters where you went to vote. This usually happens because you are not registered to vote or you moved and did not update your address for voting.
  • You are not eligible to vote on a voting unit because either:
    1. You moved, did not update your address for voting, and tried to vote at the polling place for your prior address.
    2. Records show that you received a mail-in ballot for this election or already voted in this election. If you have not already voted, election officials will count your provisional ballot. Voting or trying to vote more than once is against the law, and if you do this, election officials will refer you to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
    3. You tried to register to vote during early voting, but we had not yet determined if you are eligible to vote. Your ballot will count if you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
    4. You did not prove where you live. You must prove where you live if you want to register to vote or change your address during early voting. You must prove where you live to your local board of elections before 10 a.m. on the 2nd Wednesday after election day.
  • You did not provide an ID when asked. For your ballot to count, provide ID to your local board of elections before 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday after Election Day. 

How do I vote by provisional ballot?

  1. An election official will give you a provisional ballot application.
  2. Complete and sign the application.
  3. The election judge will give you a provisional ballot.
  4. Fill in the oval to the left of each choice.
  5. Seal your voted ballot in the envelope that is part of the application.
  6. Put the envelope in the provisional ballot bag provided by the election judge.

If you have any questions about the process of voting your ballot, see an election judge.

Will my provisional ballot count?

Provisional ballots are reviewed and counted even if they will not change the outcome of an election. Your ballot will be counted if you are a registered voter, were eligible to vote by provisional ballot, and met any other applicable requirements. 

If you voted in the wrong county during early voting or at the wrong polling place on election day, only part of your provisional ballot will count. Election officials will count those contests or ballot questions that appear on the ballot where you live.

Will my votes be secret?

Yes. Your ballot will stay in the envelope until your local board of elections has reviewed your application. If your local board decides that your ballot should be counted, your ballot will be removed and immediately separated from your application so that your votes will be kept secret.

Can I find out if my ballot was counted?

Yes. You can use voter look-up websites for Maryland, Virginia and D.C. to find out if your provisional ballot was counted, and if not, the reason why it was not counted. This information is available 10 days after the election. 

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