Provisional ballots still an option for unregistered voters
Those who missed the registration deadline may still cast a vote on Nov. 6.
Those who missed the registration deadline may still cast a vote on Nov. 6 at a neighborhood polling place, like this one at Darnell Charter School. Photo by Jonny Rico, City Times.
November 6, 2018
There is still a chance to cast a vote on Nov. 6 even if the Oct. 22 registration deadline was missed.
A person can still visit their nearest polling place and cast a provisional ballot on Election Day.
A person can still visit their nearest polling place and cast a provisional ballot on Election Day. Photo by Jonny Rico, City Times.
Provisional ballots are available for multiple reasons, according to California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.
Voters may fill these provisional ballots if they forgot their ID, the name can’t be found on the roster, their address is not up-to-date or the registration deadline was missed.
Provisional voting ensures that every eligible voter is given the chance to cast their vote.
Anyone can fill out a provisional ballot, but only those that meet the voting requirements are included in the election results.
If a voter is over 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen, they are eligible to vote.
The homeless can vote as well. A shelter can be listed as the residence. A street corner or park also fulfills the residency requirement.
Election officials must confirm eligibility and check that a voter has not voted multiple times.
According to the Los Angeles county clerk, “past election records show that on average 85-90 percent of provisional ballots are valid and counted.”
Provisional voters have the right to check the status of their ballot. To see if the ballot was counted, voters may visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status.
If a ballot was not counted, a reason will be provided.
