As Election Day fast approaches, provisional ballots will be available for specific voters who may face challenges when trying to participate in the federal race, ensuring that all eligible votes are counted.
What is a provisional ballot?
Per the Help America Vote Act, a provisional ballot is a paper ballot that is not counted until election officials can verify the voter’s eligibility to vote in the federal election. Provisional ballots do not apply to local or state elections.
Who is eligible for provisional voting?
According to the Louisiana secretary of state, provisional ballots may apply if a voter’s name does not appear in the precinct registrar or supplemental registrar, or if they are not authorized to vote by the precinct register correction form.
Provisional ballots may also be used if a voter’s eligibility is challenged and a majority of commissioners validate the challenge.
Additionally, voters participating in federal elections during extended poll hours ordered by the court may qualify for provisional voting.
When does the vote count?
The Parish Board of Election Supervisors will count the provisional ballot if the voter is found eligible, if the ballot has been cast in the parish of registration, and no other ballot has been cast anywhere in the state.
To find out more about polling location changes on Election Day, click here.
READ MORE:Provisional voting ensures federal election access
