Provisional ballots rarely swing elections but serve as critical safeguard for voters

Provisional ballots, the backup voting method used when questions arise about a voter's eligibility, typically don't alter election outcomes but remain an essential protection against disenfranchisement, election officials say.

The ballots come into play when voters arrive at polling places only to find their names missing from registration lists, face questions about identification or documentation, or need to vote in person after requesting mail-in ballots. Rather than turning voters away, poll workers provide provisional ballots that are sealed in separate envelopes for later verification.

Election officials then have several days after Election Day to confirm voter eligibility. If verified, the ballots are counted. If not, they're rejected.

In most races, provisional ballots don't affect results because their numbers fall short of the margin of victory. When a candidate wins by 50,000 votes but only 10,000 provisional ballots were cast, those ballots can't change the outcome even if they all favored the losing candidate.

But in razor-thin contests, provisional ballots become crucial. When the margin between candidates is smaller than the number of outstanding provisional ballots, officials must complete the verification process before declaring a winner. This can delay results for days or weeks, depending on state law.

Close congressional and state legislative races occasionally hinge on provisional ballot counts, with campaigns monitoring the process closely and sometimes challenging ballot validity.

Not all provisional ballots ultimately count. Acceptance rates typically range from 50% to 70%, with rejections occurring when voters prove to be unregistered, cast ballots in wrong precincts or lack proper documentation.

The provisional ballot system, while rarely decisive, ensures eligible voters aren't accidentally blocked from participating due to administrative errors or confusion on Election Day. Specific rules governing the ballots vary by state, including verification timelines and required documentation.