Everything LGBTQ+ Ohioans should know about how to vote on Election Day

Voting can be overwhelming, particularly for LGBTQ+ Ohioans, so we’re breaking down your options step-by-step – whether that means casting an absentee ballot or finding a ride on Election Day.

As part of our “Out at the Polls” voting series, we’re outlining exactly what to expect if you’re planning to vote in-person on Nov. 2.

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.

Ohio Voter Registration

Arriving at your polling place

Your polling place might have changed, even if you haven’t moved recently. If you’re planning to vote in-person, hit the button below to confirm your polling location ahead of Nov. 2.

Ohio Find My Polling Location Tool

How will I know I’m in the right place?

As you approach your polling place, there should be ample signage pointing voters toward the entrance. You might see signs that read “Vote Here” tacked to telephone poles, staked in grass or placed directly on the sidewalk.

Will there be campaigners outside?

You may encounter political campaigners outside your polling place. They may be campaigning for a specific candidate or for an entire political party. They may try to hand you materials, but you are not obligated to take them. Remember, you can always politely decline!

In Ohio, campaigners are not permitted to speak with you or hand out any materials within 100 feet of the polling place entrance. Typically, that boundary is marked by small American flags staked into the grass.

If campaigners block an accessible path to the entrance or make you too uncomfortable to pass, please contact Election Protection via call or text at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained volunteer.

You can also call your county board of elections directly to report any illegal campaigning activity outside your polling place. Hit the button below to view a full list of contact information for each of Ohio’s 88 county board of elections.

Ohio County Board of Elections Contacts

Getting your ballot

Once inside, there should be official signage guiding you to a group of pollworkers. You should have your Ohio drivers license or state ID ready – along with any other identifying documents you may need to present, including your birth certificate or a court order proving your name change.

Typically, poll workers sit behind a folding table and use special tablets to view pollbooks, confirm your identity and distribute your ballot. Poll workers are volunteers, and may not always be familiar with uncommon voting processes.

Remember, you have the right to request a provisional ballot if you are not able to provide a valid drivers license or state ID on Election Day. If you do need to cast a provisional ballot, you’ll need to follow up with your county board of elections to provide the required documents.

What will the poll worker ask?

The poll worker will greet you and ask for your identification. You can give them:

A valid Ohio driver license or state ID card
A U.S. passport or passport card
A military dependent ID, Ohio National Guard ID, or Department of Veterans Affairs ID

After you hand it over, they’ll scan it using the tablet and pull up your voter registration. As long as the legal name on your drivers license or state issued ID matches the name listed on your voter registration, you are eligible to vote.

What if my legal name doesn’t match my voter registration?

If the legal name on your drivers license or state ID does not match your name in the pollbooks, you will need to provide the pollworker with proof of name-change. They’ll need a copy of your birth certificate and a copy of the court order authorizing your name change.

If you aren’t able to provide those documents on Election Day, you’ll be asked to fill out a provisional ballot instead. If a provisional ballot is not offered to you, you can ask for one directly. The only identifying information you need to cast a provisional ballot is your social security number and/or your drivers license or state ID number.

What is a provisional ballot?

Provisional ballots are only counted after a county board of elections confirms the voter’s eligibility. 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.

If you do cast a provisional ballot, you’ll need to follow up with your county board of elections to provide the required identification no later than 4 days after Election Day.

What should I do if the poll worker won’t provide me with a ballot?

Remember, poll workers are volunteers, and not everyone will be familiar with this process. If your poll workers have never encountered a name-change, you may be asked to cast a provisional ballot despite providing the necessary identifying documents and proof of name change.

If you provide the correct documents and poll workers refuse to issue your ballot, please call the voter hotline and your county board of elections to directly report the incident. If you cannot provide the identifying documents, you’ll need to cast a provisional ballot.

If your poll worker says there are no provisional ballots available – or if poll workers refuse to provide you with one – contact Election Protection via call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained volunteer.

Can I vote from my car?

You can vote from your car without providing proof of a disability. Certain polling places have designated parking spaces for curbside voters.

If you are planning to vote curbside, the Ohio Secretary of State recommends calling your county board of elections to let them know ahead of time.

Filling out your ballot

If you’ve never filled out a paper or digital ballot before, the process might feel overwhelming. Remember, poll workers are there to guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

Can I see the ballot before Election Day?

If you’re planning to vote in-person on Election Day, you can view your ballot ahead of time.

Hit the button below to access sample ballots for your voting precinct.

Ohio Sample Ballots

Can I get help reading or filling out my ballot?

If you are living with a disability, you have a right to certain accommodations at the polls.

Polling locations across the state should be equipped with a “one ADA ballot-marking device” called ClearAccess. The device “offers functions such as audio ballots, Braille and tactile lettering, touch screen or push-button navigation, and more.” You can request to use this device at any time.

Additionally, Ohio Revised Code allows assistance for voters who are “blind, disabled or illiterate.” You can bring any person of your choice to accompany you inside the polling booth or request assistance from a poll worker.

How do I fill out a paper ballot?

After the poll worker verifies your voter registration, they will either provide you with a paper ballot or direct you to a voting machine.

If you have a paper ballot, head to the standing booths to fill it out using the provided pen. Be sure to keep your ballot dry and clean. Do not make any marks outside of the voting bubbles. If you damage your ballot or make a mistake, you can ask a poll worker to provide you with a new one.

Fill in your choices firmly and completely – and remember, you can request help from a poll worker at any time.

What happens to my paper ballot once I’m finished?

When you’re finished filling out your paper ballot, you’ll head over to the poll worker tasked with scanning each individual ballot.

The poll worker is not allowed to touch your ballot, but they’ll give you specific instructions to remove the perforated strip from the top of the ballot, place the strip in a secured box or folder and feed your ballot through a scanner.

Sometimes, the scanner is unable to read your ballot. The poll worker should be able to help you reposition the ballot until it is scanned properly. Once your ballot is scanned, you can collect your “I Voted!” sticker and head toward the exit.

How do I use a voting machine?

If you are using a voting machine, a poll worker will direct you to a machine after checking your voter registration. You can collect your “I Voted!” sticker after you using the machine.

Remember, you can request help from a poll worker at any time.

Leaving your polling place

Remember, campaigners cannot approach you within 100 feet of the entrance to your polling place. If campaigners approach you as you’re leaving the polls, you are not obligated to accept any print material or provide them with any information on your vote.

You can make a report anonymously.

There might also be representatives from the media on site asking voters about the issues on the ballot. You are not obligated to speak with any reporters.

How do I follow up with my county board of elections?

If you cast a provisional ballot, you’ll need to call your county board of elections and confirm which identifying documents they need in order to count your vote. For transgender Ohioans, that may include your birth certificate and copy of the court order as proof of your name change.

Hit the button below for a list of contact information for Ohio’s 88 county boards of election.