What’s a provisional ballot? Here’s why you might need to cast one when voting in NC
Provisional ballots have long been used in elections, but with new voter laws in North Carolina, more could be passed out to voters at the polls.
This is the first presidential election requiring registered voters in the state to bring a photo ID to cast a ballot. If not, you may submit an ID exception form along with a provisional ballot. But that’s not the only time the “fail-safe voting” option is issued.
Here’s what to know about the provisional ballot process and why a voter could would receive one.
What is a provisional ballot? When are they used?
Provisional ballots are generally issued when there are concerns about a voter’s qualification or eligibility to vote in a given election or with a specific ballot style, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Here are some reasons a voter could be given a provisional ballot:
No record of registration at the time the voter arrives at their designated polling place.
Unreported move to an address (at least 30 days prior to Election Day) that differs from their voter registration information.
Previously removed from a voter registration list due to a move, felony conviction, etc.
No acceptable ID at the polls, such as a driver’s license, U.S. Passport, voter photo ID or acceptable student, state or local government ID.
Unrecognized address that is unable to be located in a county’s street lookup files.
Incorrect precinct that is different from the one assigned based on a voter’s residential address at least 30 days before Election Day.
Jurisdiction dispute based on someone’s legal voting residence.
Voted during extended hours, which would be extended by the State Board of Elections or a court order.
“Through provisional voting, all citizens have the opportunity to cast a ballot, even if such questions arise. Provisional voting is fail-safe voting. State law mandates that no person shall be denied the option to vote a provisional ballot. In no circumstance should a voter be turned away,” the NCSBE website says.
How do you cast a provisional ballot?
There will be Help Stations at polling places with election officials available to assist in-person voters on Election Day.
Provisional voters first have to complete a Provisional Voting Application. Then, the voter will fill out their ballot in private and it seal it in an envelope to be returned to election officials at the voting site’s Help Station.
“Election officials hold provisional ballots aside as they conduct research about the voter’s eligibility. Based on the research, county board of elections members make final determinations about voter eligibility,” the NCSBE website says.
Election results are only finalized once all eligible provisional ballots are counted.
Can you track a provisional ballot?
Yes. Each voter who casts a provisional ballot will receive a Provisional Identification Number (PIN), which can be used to check the status of their ballot.
Ten days after Election Day, you can check that status by:
- Using the “Provisional Search” tool online at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegProvPIN.
- Calling (919) 814-0700 or (866) 522-4723 using their PIN and birth date.
Learn more about the provisional ballot process at ncsbe.gov/voting/provisional-voting.
For additional voter resources ahead of the general election, visit ncsbe.gov.
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