A provisional ballot is a ballot that is marked by a voter but is not counted at the time it is cast. It is issued to a voter who is unable to provide the poll workers with documentation as required by Wisconsin and federal law.
There are two circumstances in which a voter is entitled to receive a provisional ballot:
- A qualified elector who has been issued a current and valid Wisconsin driver license or identification card number registers to vote at a polling place on election day, but is unable or unwilling to list the number on the registration.
- A registered voter is unable or unwilling to provide proof of identification.
Provisional ballots are NOT given when a voter is at the wrong polling place. If a voter appears at the wrong polling place, he or she will be directed to the proper location.
Provisional ballots are also NOT given when a person is attempting to register in-person at the polling place and does not provide the required proof of residence.
A provisional ballot will not be counted unless the voter provides the required information to the poll workers by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day or the municipal clerk by 4:00 p.m. of the Friday following the election.
Instructions for voters who cast a provisional ballot are here.