Reader Question About Voting In Person … Even If You’ve Requested A Mail Ballot
Donovan Sheets from Tallahassee, Florida: If I have already received my mail-in ballot, can I still vote in person as long as I do not submit my mail ballot?
Generally, yes, but like everything else about election administration, it depends on the state. Some states will let you vote as normal; others will have you cast a provisional ballot, which will be discarded if it’s later found that you voted by mail as well. Some states require you to bring your mail ballot to the polls so it can be spoiled or destroyed; others will just take your word for it — particularly useful for people who requested a mail ballot but haven’t received it yet (in which case voting in person is almost certainly your only option). To see what the rules are in your state, check out this very helpful ProPublica article.