Dare County Board of Elections approves 16 provisional ballots, denies 38 after review

The Dare County Board of Elections voted to count 16 provisional ballots and to deny 38 after a line-by-line review of 54 provisional applications submitted between early voting and Election Day. The board met to consider staff research on each provisional envelope and the applicable state guidance.

Staff member presenting the review told the board, “Dare County had 54 provisional ballots that were completed between early voting and Election Day,” and recommended 16 for approval after documentation checks. The approvals covered several categories, including five ballots where required ID details (driver’s license number or last four of Social Security) were later confirmed, one approved under an exception form for reasonable impediment, a small number of incorrect-precinct cases that nonetheless allowed the voter to cast eligible contests, and ballots restored after research showed continuous residency for previously removed registrants.

Wh…