10 things LGBTQ+ Ohioans should know about in-person early voting

During the 2024 presidential election, more than one third of Ohio’s 8 million registered voters cast early ballots.

The availability of early in-person voting often spurs increased voter turnout among traditionally underrepresented communities, including LGBTQ+ Americans.

For LGBTQ+ Ohioans, early in-person voting may be a safer and more accessible option than casting a ballot in-person on Election Day. As part of our mission of supporting civic empowerment, we’re breaking down the process step-by-step.

1. What is early in-person voting?

During the 2000 Presidential Election, 40% of all registered voters lived in a state with one or more early-voting option. This year, more than 97% of registered voters will have the option to vote early.

Early voting periods vary from state to state, and generally exist to ease the burden on poll workers and relieve long wait times on Election Day. In Ohio, voters can cast early in-person ballots at their county board of elections beginning the day after voter registration closes.

2. When does early voting start?

In Ohio, early voting for the 2026 General Election begins October 6 and includes the two Saturdays and the Sunday before Election Day. Hit the button below to view a full list of early-voting dates and times. (Be sure to scroll to the October page on the calendar for the General Election dates.)

3. How do I know if I’m eligible to vote early?

If you are a registered voter in the state of Ohio, you are eligible to cast an early ballot in the county where you live. Hit the button below to check your voter registration status in Ohio.

4. What should I do if I’m not registered to vote?

If you are not already registered to vote in the state of Ohio, you have until Oct. 5 to register. Hit the button below to register online or to update your voter registration information.

5. Can I vote early at my normal polling place?

No. In Ohio, early in-person voting only takes place at county board of elections offices. Hit the button below for a full list of Ohio’s 88 county board of election locations, including a user-friendly interactive map.

6. What should I bring?

Ahead of the state’s contentious gubernatorial race, LGBTQ+ Ohioans have become the target of ongoing negative political discourse. This may heighten LGBTQ+ voters’ risk of experiencing harassment or discrimination at the polls.

Be sure to double check Ohio’s voter identification requirements and come prepared with more than one document to prove your identity.

Remember, if the name on your ID is the same as your name in the poll books, you have a right to vote – as long as your ID is not expired. If the name on your identification does not match the name listed on your voter registration, you may be offered a provisional ballot.

7. What is a provisional ballot?

If you cannot provide poll workers with the required types of identification, they may offer you a provisional ballot instead. Provisional ballots are counted only after election officials verify the voter’s eligibility.

Along with your provisional ballot, you’ll receive a set of detailed instructions and deadlines for following up with local election officials to provide proper identifying documents.

If poll workers do not offer you a provisional ballot, you can request one yourself.

8. Can I cast a provisional ballot if I’m voting early?

Yes. Any registered voter in the state of Ohio may cast a provisional ballot while voting early in-person.

9. What do I do if my ID doesn’t match my voter registration?

If the name on your state ID does not match the name you used to register to vote, you may be asked to cast a provisional ballot. 

After casting a provisional ballot, you’ll need to follow up with your county board of elections to provide the required identification. For some transgender Ohioans, this may mean presenting elections officials with a copy of your original birth certificate alongside paperwork documenting your legal name change.

10. How do I report a problem at my polling place?

If poll workers refuse to provide you with a ballot – or if you encounter voter suppression or illegal voting activity at your polling place – contact Election Protection via call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained volunteer.

Hit the button below to visit Election Protection’s interactive map, including a full list of voting dates and deadlines in Ohio and across the country.

Ignite action

• To learn more about early voting in Ohio, or to report illegal election activity, visit 866ourvote.org.
• If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
• If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860