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What if your name isn't on the voter list?

Provisional Ballots

In a federal election, a voter whose name cannot be found, but who says they are registered and eligible, must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. Officials decide later whether it counts.

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Describe this illustration

A close view of a check-in table. A voter leans forward with a raised hand, asking a question. The poll worker holds a plain envelope labeled Provisional Ballot and a small printed slip labeled How to check your ballot. A sign on the table reads Your options. The envelope shows no personal information.

Things you may notice

Things you may notice about provisional voting.

Workers explain available options when a voter's registration cannot be located.

For example: A worker says: 'I can't find you on the list. Here are your options,' and explains Same-Day Registration and the provisional ballot.

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The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 302: provisional voting and posted information · Same-Day Registration
Voters can ask about provisional ballots.

For example: A voter asks 'Can I vote provisionally?' and gets an answer rather than a shrug.

Share an observation

The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 302: provisional voting and posted information
Workers provide provisional-ballot instructions when that procedure applies.

For example: The voter signs a written affirmation and is given an envelope and instructions.

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Learn more

In Connecticut, provisional ballots are used in elections that include federal offices. For other elections, Same-Day Registration or a visit to the registrar's office is the usual path.

The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 302: provisional voting and posted information · Connecticut election law (Title 9)
Voters using provisional ballots receive information about checking their ballot's status.

For example: The voter leaves with a receipt or instructions explaining how to find out whether the ballot counted.

Share an observation

The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 302: provisional voting and posted information

Provisional voting procedures and eligibility depend on applicable law.

Notice something different? Write down what you personally saw or heard, including the time and location. You can ask an election official for help.

Why it matters

A provisional ballot is a safety net. It keeps a list error from silencing a voter, while still letting officials check eligibility afterward.

What one visit cannot tell you

Whether a provisional ballot will be counted. That is decided after Election Day under state law.
Whether a voter should have been offered a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots apply to federal elections; other situations have other remedies.

In Connecticut

For a voter who is not registered at all, Connecticut's Same-Day Registration site is often the better option, because a provisional ballot is only counted if the voter turns out to have been registered. (Same-Day Registration)

What the law actually says

Section 302(a) of the Help America Vote Act (52 U.S.C. § 21082(a)) says that in a federal election, a person who declares they are registered and eligible, but whose name is not on the list or whose eligibility is questioned by an official, must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot after signing a written affirmation. Officials must give the voter a way to learn whether the ballot was counted and, if not, why.

Related legal authorities

Help America Vote Act 52 U.S.C. §§ 20901–21145
Same-Day Registration Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-19j; portal.ct.gov/sots
Connecticut election law (Title 9) Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 9

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