Hoosiers who cast provisional ballots in last week’s primary election have until noon this Friday to provide the identification needed in order for their votes to count, under Indiana’s photo ID voting law.

About 25 to 30 provisional ballots were cast in last week’s Porter County primary, said Sundae Kubacki, Republican director of the county Voter Registration Office.

Provisional ballots are those cast by voters who didn’t have a photo or other identification on them at the time they voted. Their ballots are kept separate and aren’t counted until the voters bring in a photo ID or some other documentation, like a utility statement. Under Indiana law, they have 10 days after the election to show this proof.

Kubacki said the Voter Registration Office has already begun calling those voters who cast a provisional ballot informing them that they need to bring in their documentation.

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita issued a statement noting that the Indian Election Division does not certify the election results until the 10-day provisional ballot process has passed.

"For those Hoosiers who cast provisional ballots this year, I urge you to take the next step and verify your ballot," Rokita said. "Per Indiana election law, you have until noon this Friday to present a documentation or other evidence to your county election board. If you are in need of a photo ID, one can be obtained through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles."

Posted 5/14/2008