What are the rules for provisional ballots?

Provisional ballots are additional ballots issued at polling places if there are any doubts about a voter’s eligibility. In Delaware, provisional ballots are used to record a voter’s ballot if the voter’s name does not appear in the voter rolls, or if they do not have a valid ID. All provisional ballots are counted as part of the final count, but only if the voter is found to be eligible. In Delaware, any voter can cast a provisional ballot. After the ballot is cast, elections staff must verify the voter’s eligibility by checking their identity documents and voter registration information. This process usually takes three days or less, and the ballot is counted if the voter is found to be eligible. Once a voter casts a provisional ballot, they must cast a regular ballot in their next election in order for the provisional ballot to be counted. If the voter does not cast a regular ballot, their provisional ballot will not be counted. If the voter casts a regular ballot, then the provisional ballot will be counted. Additionally, any provisional ballots with errors (such as not having the name of the voter in the voter roll or not having a valid ID) must be reviewed by a judge and ruled ineligible before they can be discarded. Provisional ballots that have been ruled ineligible cannot be counted in the final count.

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What are the rules for provisional ballots?

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