What is a provisional ballot?

• A. A ballot cast if a voter's registration is verified on the spot.
• B. A ballot counted immediately without verification.
• C. A ballot cast when a voter's registration or eligibility cannot be verified immediately; counted after verification.
• D. A ballot that is mailed to all voters regardless of eligibility

Answer: (C)

A provisional ballot is used when a voter's registration or eligibility cannot be verified immediately at the polling place. The voter can still cast the ballot, but it is set aside and not counted right away. After election officials verify the registrant’s information and eligibility, the provisional ballot is counted if the voter is found eligible, or not counted if not. This approach lets people vote even when there are questions about their status, while safeguarding the integrity of the results. It isn’t counted immediately like a regular ballot, and it isn’t a universal mail-in ballot.