A provisional ballot allows someone who thinks they are an eligible voter to vote. You may vote a provisional ballot if you meet specific conditions.
You might vote a provisional ballot if:
- You are not listed on the precinct register
- You moved and did not update your address and tried to vote at your prior address
- You received an absentee ballot for this election, or that you already voted this election
- You tried to register during early voting, but could not determine if you’re eligible to vote
- You did not prove where you live when you registered to vote
- You did not show ID if you’re voting for the first time in Maryland and did not provide ID when you registered
- You did not provide your drivers license number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number on your voter registration form, or the number could not be verified.
- Someone challenged your right to vote
- A court ordered the polling location to stay open late and you voted during this extra time
For instances where you voted a provisional ballot because you did not provide ID you must show ID or an ID number to your local board of elections before 10am on the 2nd Wednesday after election day. You can track the status of your provisional ballot here.
