Provisional Voting (Federal Elections Only)

If your registration record cannot be found or if your eligibility to vote is questioned at the polls, you may still cast a provisional ballot on Election Day.    A provisional ballot is a paper ballot that is counted after the election, provided that the Registrar of Voter’s office can verify your registration.

When a Provisional Ballot is Used

An election commissioner will issue you a provisional ballot at your polling place if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters for the precinct, and the Registrar of Voters has not authorized you to vote by affidavit. 

 Casting a Provisional Ballot

       1.  Fill out the provisional ballot envelope flap stating that you believe you are:

                   o registered to vote

                   o eligible to vote in the election

                   o live in the precinct where you are voting

          2.  Mark the provisional ballot, place the provisional ballot in the provisional ballot envelope, seal the envelope and return the provisional ballot envelope to the commissioner. 

         3.  The commissioner will provide you with written instructions explaining how you may determine whether your provisional vote was counted; and, if the vote was not counted, the reason why the vote was not counted.