LANSING, Mich. — With Election Day coming quickly, it is important to know what to expect when you head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In Michigan, you can register to vote up to and even on Election Day, but sometimes that means you won't be listed in your precinct's registration list.
When you arrive at your precinct on Election Day, if you aren't on the precinct's registration list and you can't confirm your identification or residence, you'll be asked to fill out a provisional ballot.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is given to a voter when that voter does not appear on the precinct's registration list and their identity can't be verified either through picture identification or proof of address.
Provisional ballots are generally only given to voters as a last resort. If a voter does not have identification but is listed on the precinct's registration list, they do not need to cast a provisional ballot and can cast a normal ballot with a signed affidavit verifying their identification.
What does a provisional ballot look like?
A provisional ballot looks the same as a normal ballot, but instead of being cast in a tabulator on Election Day, it is set aside until it is verified and then cast in a tabulator. The only difference is that a provisional ballot also requires a provisional ballot form to be filled out by the voter.
You can view what a provisional ballot form looks like here:
Do provisional ballots count?
Provisional ballots are set apart from other ballots and are only tabulated if the voter provides the required document(s) no later than the sixth day after the election, or Monday, Nov. 11 for this upcoming election.
You can deliver the required document(s) to your local city or township clerk in person, via fax, or through the mail. You can find your local clerk here.
The State of Michigan will take the following types of documents to satisfy the requirements:
Documents that satisfy identification requirement:
- A Michigan Driver License
- A Michigan Personal Identification Card
- Any other type of government issued identification card which shows your picture
- An identification card issued by a Michigan university or college which shows your picture
Documents that satisfy residency requirement:
- A Michigan Driver's License
- A Michigan Personal Identification Card
- Government-issued picture identification card; picture identification issued by a Michigan university or college
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck or government check
- Any other government document (The document must show your name and your address. The address shown on the document must be in the precinct where you voted. Contact your local clerk to see if your government document can be used.)
Any individual who provides false information on the State of Michigan Provisional Ballot Form, is guilty of perjury, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years.
