How do half dome permits work?

The preseason Half Dome permit lottery application period is under way! Hikers have till March 31st to apply Visit

To hike Half Dome, you must obtain a permit through a lottery system The lottery opens in March and closes in April, with permits becoming

half dome permits 2022 Half Dome permits are offered through a lottery every March 1-31 The lottery means that the park chooses, at random, who is granted a permit and who is denied

half dome permit lottery Just wanted to make sure I understand this process correctly So I think I've missed the lottery ahead of time