What is a provisional ballot used for?

A provisional ballot is used specifically for voters who encounter issues on-site that prevent them from casting a regular ballot on Election Day. This can include situations where a voter's eligibility cannot be immediately determined, such as if they are not listed on the voter registration rolls, fail to provide proper identification, or are voting in a precinct where they are not registered.

The purpose of a provisional ballot is to ensure that individuals still have the opportunity to participate in the election process, even if their eligibility is in question at that moment. Once the issue is resolved and their eligibility is confirmed, their provisional ballot will be counted. This mechanism maintains the integrity of the electoral process while also protecting the rights of voters.

The other options represent different aspects of the voting process but do not relate to the primary function of a provisional ballot. For instance, absentee ballots are specifically for voters who cannot be present at their polling place, while changing registration and early voting have separate processes and guidelines that do not involve provisional ballots.