Provisional Voting in Illinois Pamphlet: Rights and Limitations

              WHAT
IS
PROVISIONAL
VOTING?
PROVISIONAL VOTING PROCEDURES:
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE
Provisional voting was created to allow a
¾
Voter fills out “Application to Vote.”
“PROVISIONAL BALLOTS?”
voter,
whose
eligibility
has
been
¾
The “Provisional Voter” may
questioned, to vote on Election Day.
¾
Voter fills out and signs the
submit additional information to
“Provisional Ballots” must be kept in a
“Provisional Voter Affidavit.”
the election authority.
separate, securable container until voter
eligibility to vote is determined, by the
¾
Election Judge signs the
¾
The additional information must be
election authority, AFTER Election Day.
“Provisional Voter Affidavit” and
received by the election authority
marks the reason the voter is
no later than the close of business
issued a provisional ballot. The
on the Thursday following the
WHEN DOES PROVISIONAL VOTING
original affidavit stays with the
election.
APPLY?
“Provisional Ballot Envelope,” and
Provisional voting applies in four different circumstances:
the copy goes to the voter.
¾
The election authority has 14 days (after the election) to determine
¾
Election judges have NO record of the individual.
¾
The voter may present information that supports his/her claim to be a
voter eligibility, and thus if the ballot should be counted.
qualified voter. This information
¾
A voter’s voting status has been successfully challenged.
¾
stays with the affidavit. The voter is issued a correct ballot
¾
The “Provisional Ballots” will then be counted, or left sealed in the “Provisional Ballot Envelopes.”
¾
A voter did not provide identification when registering by mail.
and a “Provisional Ballot Envelope.”
¾
The election authority will add the number of approved “Provisional
¾
If the ballot is spoiled, it must be
Ballots” to the Election Day
¾
A court order extends the time for
surrendered to the judge, who will
results.
closing the polls.
issue a new ballot.
¾
The “Provisional Voter” may find
¾
The voted ballot is sealed in the
out if his/her ballot was counted,
WHY DO WE HAVE PROVISIONAL
“Provisional Ballot Envelope”.
or if it was NOT counted, the
VOTING?
reason that it was not counted.
¾
To ensure that all qualified voters are allowed to vote.
¾
The “Provisional Ballot Envelope” is then returned to the election
¾
If the ballot is not counted, the
judges.
“Provisional Voter Affidavit” will be
¾
To get a complete review of the voter’s information.
¾
The election judges will deposit it
used as a registration application and the voter will be sent a voters
in a SEPARATE SECURABLE
registration ID card.
¾ ¾
To correct any error made during the registration process. To update voter records.
¾
CONTAINER (other than the ballot box containing the regular ballots). After voting provisionally, the voter is told how to submit additional
HOW DOES A PERSON KNOW OF HIS/HER RIGHT TO VOTE PROVISIONALLY? Every challenged voter must be informed
¾
To register voters for future elections.
proof of registration to the election authority, and how, after the
of his/her right to vote provisionally. This notification must be provided by the
election, to determine if their ballot
election judges or by posted signs.
is counted.