Election bill would create provisional ballots

Among the many proposals in yesterday's massive elections bill is the creation of "provisional ballots" in Minnesota.

Under the bill, voters who cannot prove their voting eligibility would fill out a provisional ballot that is not counted until they show sufficient evidence that they can vote -- likely in the form of a photo ID. If someone's eligibility is challenged, they would also have to fill out a provisional ballot.

Voters would have seven days to prove their eligibility.

Traditionally, Minnesota's same-day registration has reduced the need for provisional voting. It was likely included in Wednesday's election bill so the new, more stringent ID requirements would not prevent people away from casting a ballot altogether.

Like absentee ballots, provisional ballots have also led to delayed results and some lawsuits in past elections across the country -- particularly when a large number of uncounted ballots might decide the outcome of a race.