Jay Ross

People who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming (GNC) are expected to clarify, justify and apologize for their identity every day. For many, inappropriate personal questions are a daily reality.  It’s no surprise then, to hear that these same dehumanizing hurdles have worked their way into our polling places. According to the Williams Institute, strict voter ID laws across the nation threatened to disenfranchise more than 25,000 transgender people in the 2012 presidential election. Below are a few common issues faced by transgender people at the polls, along with resources to help you vote comfortably and confidently in Ohio. ISSUE: My current gender presentation doesn’t match the gender marker or presentation shown on my photo ID. SOLUTION: Gender identity or presentation has no impact on your constitutional right to vote. You may have noticed, unlike many other states including Michigan and California, Ohio does not ask voters to declare their gender or select a gender prefix on our voter registration forms.  It is also important to note that a photo ID is not required to vote in Ohio.