A Provisional Ballot is a special type of ballot that can be cast at any Vote Center and is used when there are questions about a voter’s eligibility. A Provisional Ballot must be offered to:
A voter who does not provide an acceptable form of identification.
Examples:
- If the voter states that they do not possess an acceptable form of photo ID and the voter would otherwise not be able to obtain an acceptable form of photo ID reasonably but has not brought a supporting form of ID to the polling place.
- If the voter states that he or she does not possess an acceptable form of photo ID, and the voter can reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo ID.
A voter whose name on their identification is not substantially similar to the name on the official list of registered voters.
A voter’s name on the presented identification form is deemed substantially similar to the name on the official list of registered voters if there are minor variations such as customary variations, initials, middle names, former names, or differences in fields.
A voter whose identity cannot be verified by the identification presented.
A voter whose name does not appear on the list of registered voters and does not have a registration certificate but states they are a registered and eligible voter.
Examples:
- Despite the voter’s belief that they are properly registered, the voter’s name does not appear on the list of registered voters, nor does the voter have a voter registration certificate to present, which indicates their current registration status.
- Despite the voter’s belief that they are properly registered, the voter registrar’s office is unable to verify the voters registration status.
A voter who has applied for a ballot by mail but has not yet properly canceled the mail ballot application.
Example:
- A voter who has not yet canceled their mail ballot application with the Early Voting Clerk at the Main Early Voting location or returned the ballot to be voted by mail to the Vote Center Election Judge.
A voter who votes during the polling hours that are extended by a state or federal court.
State or Federal Courts have the authority to issue Emergency Orders certifying the extension of Vote Center hours in response to unforeseen circumstances. These may include technical difficulties, natural disasters, or other extraordinary events significantly impacting the voting process.
A voter who is on the list of registered voters but whose registered residence address is outside the political subdivision for which the voter is seeking to vote.
If a voter falls into one of the above categories, the election worker shall inform them of their right to cast a Provisional Ballot. The Election Judge will then initiate the Provisional Voting process, which involves the Voter and Election Judge completing and signing a Provisional Ballot envelope. The Election Judge should provide a Notice to Provisional Voter to the Voter.
Subsequently, the Ballot Board will review and make a determination on the ballot after the election. A notice will be mailed to the voter within 30 days of the election at the address provided on the affidavit, communicating whether the vote was counted.
Provisional voters who did not present an acceptable form of photo ID and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration will be required to sign a Affidavit of Provisional Voter. Six days after the date of the election, they have to cure their ballot by providing an acceptable form of photo identification.
This process, known as “curing a ballot,” is completed at the Voter Registrar’s office at 1520 Round Table Dr, Dallas, TX 75247.