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1. What is a provisional ballot?

A provisional ballot is used to record a vote if a voter's eligibility is in question and the voter would otherwise not be permitted to vote at his or her polling place. The content of a provisional ballot is no different from a regular ballot, but it is cast "provisionally" until the voter's eligibility is determined. The elections office has three days following the primary or election to determine the eligibility of all provisional ballots cast. (O.C.G.A. 21-2-419)

2. Why might I have to vote a provisional ballot?

PR - Your name could not be found on the list of voters where you went to vote. This usually happens because you did not register by the voter registration deadline or you moved and did not update your address by the voter registration deadline. OP - You go to the wrong polling place to vote. Between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, if you are at the wrong Carroll County polling place you are required to go to your assigned polling place. After 6:00 pm if you are at the wrong Carroll County polling place you will be offered a provisional ballot. If you vote at the wrong Carroll County polling place your ballot will only be partially counted for the races in which you are eligible to vote. PI - You do not have one of the acceptable forms of Photo ID. For your provisional ballot to count, provide ID as directed on your Provisional Ballot Pin Code Receipt. Acceptable forms of ID are provided to you at the time you cast a provisional ballot. EH - A court ordered polling place to stay open late, and you voted during this time. When a court issues an order like this, all voters who vote during extended hours must vote a provisional ballot. As long as the court order is upheld, your provisional ballot will count. CH - Your right to vote was challenged by another elector at the polling place. You will be provided instructions by a poll worker to resolve the challenge. Other reasons for voting provisional ballots: * Official records show the voter received an absentee ballot for this election or voted in person in this election; however, if the voter believes this is an error and poll officials can't reach the Elections Office for immediate resolution, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot. * Voter is at the correct precinct however, disputes district assignment and poll officials can't reach the Elections Office for immediate resolution. You will be issued a provisional ballot for the district you believe you should be assigned to. The Elections Office shall examine the information contained on such documents provided by the provisional voter and make a good faith effort to determine whether the person casting the provisional ballot was entitled to vote in the primary, election, or district.

3. How do I vote by provisional ballot?

Provisional ballots are cast using optical scan ballots. These ballots require you to bubble in the oval for the candidates or issues. You will be provided instructions on how to cast the ballot and how to determine if your ballot was counted.

4. Can someone help me vote my provisional ballot?

Yes, the person helping you can complete the application, if one is needed, but you must sign or make a mark. The helper must also sign where indicated that they assisted you with completing the application. If you cannot sign the voter certificate, one will be prepared for you. Your helper cannot try to influence your votes and must sign an Oath of Assisted Elector to accompany you into the voting booth.

5. Will my votes be secret?

Yes, your ballot will stay in the envelope until it is determined if the ballot should count wholly or partially. If your ballot should be counted, it will be removed and immediately separated from your paperwork so that your votes will be kept secret.

6. If I am registered to vote in another county, will my provisional ballot count?

No, under Georgia law, you must be registered to vote in the county where you are attempting to vote. If you believe you registered in Carroll County by the voter registration deadline you will be permitted to vote a provisional ballot in any polling place you go to, however, your ballot will not count unless you are properly registered to vote in Carroll County by the voter registration deadline.

7. Can I find out if my provisional ballot was counted?

Yes, you will be provided with a receipt that list instructions to find out if your provisional ballot was counted, and if not, the reason why it was not counted. You will also be notified by first class mail if your ballot was not counted.

8. Do I need to call the Elections Office about my provisional ballot?

It is not necessary to call the Elections Office regarding your provisional ballot. However, if you have questions or concerns it is your responsibility to contact the Elections Office within the three day validation time limit.

9. How are provisional ballots validated?

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-419(b) at the earliest time possible after the casting of provisional ballots, but no later than the day after the primary or election all provisional ballots and supporting documents are turned over to the elections superintendent. The board of elections & registration shall immediately examine the information contained on such documents and make a good faith effort to determine whether the person casting the provisional ballot was entitled to vote in the primary or election.