The 2024 US presidential elections are set to take place on November 5, when millions of Americans will choose their next leader.

It is important to know the voting procedures and identification requirements before voting. Here’s what you need to know about provisional ballots.

Provisional ballots allow voters to vote even if they face administrative problems. Also known as challenge ballots or affidavit ballots, provisional ballots ensure that no voter is excluded from the voting process and provide a way to vote for voters whose eligibility is uncertain.

Provisional votes are separated until officials investigate their eligibility. Voters with a provisional ballot may be asked to provide acceptable identification within a few days or their ballot will not count.

If there is a discrepancy or inadequate information, most states issue provisional ballots. Only two states, Idaho and Minnesota, do not issue provisional ballots to voters.

Here are some reasons why a voter may be issued a provisional ballot:

• The voter’s name does not appear on the registration or voting list
• Voter eligibility cannot be determined
• Voter does not produce state-required identification
• The voter’s identity or eligibility has been challenged by a poll worker or election official
• A voter requested an absentee ballot but claims not to receive it or vote
• The voter’s name or address has changed but has not yet been updated with registration information
• For primaries, voter registration shows error in party list