Provisional Ballots

When a voter believes that he is registered to vote in Norwalk, but is not permitted to vote by election officials because but his name does not appear on the official registry list for the polling place, and the Registrars determine that his name cannot be restored to the voting list, or transferred from another polling place; or if the voter has been challenged; or is a first-time voter who is unable to produce required identification, he may apply for and cast a Provisional Ballot. The application contains the voter’s written affirmation that he is qualified to vote, and has neither offered himself to vote, nor voted in person or by absentee ballot at this election. This ballot will be held until after election day for further checking by the Registrars. If it turns out that the provisional voter was actually entitled to vote, his vote will then be counted. If not, it will not be counted. Provisional Ballots are issued in Federal/State elections only, not in Municipal elections.

ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION (and VOTING)

In general elections any voter who is not registered may go to city hall, register and vote. This is usually a better option for a voter than a Provisional Ballot, because an Election Day Registration ballot is certain to be counted. However, potential voters are strongly encouraged to register in advance, before the deadline, and vote at the polls. Because the voter must both register and vote, Election Day Registration will be more time consuming.