Understanding provisional voting for voters in Kansas and Missouri

OVERLAND PARK, Kan – As Election Day approaches, it is essential that voters in Kansas and Missouri understand provisional voting – a crucial option if there are questions about eligibility at the polls. Here’s what voters need to know:

What is provisional voting?
A provisional ballot is a “backup” option for voters who may have difficulty verifying their eligibility on the spot. Situations in which provisional ballots may be issued include:

• The voter’s name does not appear on the voters’ list.
• The voter does not have an acceptable ID.
• Lost ballot by mail

“The preliminary process is a safety net process established under the Federal Election Law that allows voters to cast their ballots, but also allows election staff and officials to conduct research into the situation of each individual voter,” said Election Commissioner Fred Sherman.

How does it work?
If you need to vote provisionally, fill out a provisional ballot at your polling place. Election workers will put it in a special envelope for later review. After Election Day, election officials will verify your eligibility by checking your registration and other necessary information.

“They will be included in the count,” elections director Shawn Keiffer said. We have the unofficial count, which we release on election night. Then we have the official count.”

Some questioned the legitimacy of the provisional vote. Election officials said they are safe and the process is as well.

“What people don’t realize is that a high percentage of provisional ballots are counted. So I certainly would, the system works and I wouldn’t be concerned about voting provisionally,” Keiffer said.

How can I check if my vote has been counted?
Voters can track the status of their provisional ballot by contacting their local elections office. This helps voters check whether their ballot has been processed or not.

Election officials in both Kansas And Missouri encourage voters to keep their mail-in ballot so they can track the status of their ballot.

KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.
__