What you need to know about early voting
Election day is November 5, but some voters may cast their ballots as early as September.
There is the postal vote and then there is the provisional vote. There is a difference between the two – one is about the ability to get to a polling station and the other is about the right to vote.
In the fourth episode of the Wayne County Voter Academy, Board of Elections (BOE) Deputy Director Bryon Bell explained the two ballots and how the board ensures every vote is counted.
Mail-in ballots are designed for voters who cannot appear in person at the polling place on Election Day. Mail-in ballots are a convenient alternative that any registered voter in Ohio can use.
Voters can request a mail-in ballot in advance, which they can then complete at their own pace, mail in, or drop off at the BOE office, ensuring that those who cannot vote in person can participate.
“Large-scale mail-in voting began during the Civil War,” Bell said. “By World War I, almost all states had allowed soldiers to vote outside their home country.”
What is the provisional ballot for?
Provisional ballots serve a different purpose. They are issued when there is doubt about a voter’s eligibility to vote on election day.
For example, if a voter’s name is not on the voter roll or he or she does not have the required identification, he or she may be allowed to cast a provisional vote. The vote will be counted once eligibility is confirmed. This is a security measure that helps maintain the integrity of the election while preventing voters from losing their right to vote.
“Provisional ballots are a safeguard,” Bell said. “They ensure that no voter is summarily rejected and told they cannot vote.”
There are misunderstandings about every type of ballot
A common myth is that absentee ballots are only for those who will be out of state on Election Day. In reality, absentee ballots are open to all Ohio voters and can be especially convenient for those who cannot vote in person due to scheduling conflicts, health issues or travel plans.
There are even special provisions that allow U.S. citizens and military members living abroad to vote by mail from anywhere in the world. This flexibility is designed to ensure that every eligible voter’s voice can be heard, regardless of the circumstances.
Another misconception is that provisional ballots are only for voters who cannot properly identify themselves. While identification problems can lead to the use of a provisional ballot, other scenarios can also prompt this action, such as a voter’s name not appearing on the registration list or they voted in the wrong precinct.
Provisional voting serves as a security measure. It allows individuals to cast their vote while giving them the time they need to prove their eligibility, ensuring that no valid vote goes uncounted.
To understand the intricacies of the democratic process, it is important to understand the impact of mail-in voting and provisional voting on election outcomes.
According to Bell, his staff is responsible for ensuring free, fair, accurate and secure elections.
“We take this responsibility very seriously,” he said. “It is complex and we will continue to protect the standards set by state and federal law.”
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.
