If there’s a question about your eligibility to vote in Ohio, you might have to cast a provisional ballot.
But don’t worry. Most provisional ballots are counted after election officials verify that voters are eligible. Here’s how to ensure your vote counts if you cast a provisional ballot.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is used when it’s unclear if you’re eligible to vote. Here are some examples of when you might be asked to cast a provisional ballot:
- You don’t bring a photo ID to vote in person.
- You requested an absentee ballot but changed your mind and decided to vote in person.
- Your name isn’t in the poll book or your signature doesn’t match what’s in the poll book.
- You moved after registering to vote.
- You are a college student who registered to vote at home but chose to vote at school or vice versa.
- You changed your name after registering to vote and didn’t bring proof of that change.
What is the difference between a provisional and absentee ballot?
A provisional ballot is not the same thing as an absentee ballot , which voters can use to vote by mail or drop off at their county boards of election.