'Is it because I'm transgender?' Voting site forces woman to show ID

CORNELIUS, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections admits it made a mistake after a transgender woman told Channel 9 that workers at a Mecklenburg County election site forced her to show ID Tuesday because they didn’t believe she was who she said she was.

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She didn’t want to be identified but said it happened at the Cornelius Town Hall precinct. She told reporter Susanna Black it started when she pulled up and filled out the form to get her ballot.

“The chief judge came out and said, ‘I need ID,’ and I said, ‘What is the issue?’” the woman recalled. “(She) then says to me, ‘The issue is your face doesn’t match your name.’ I said, ‘Why must you see my ID when it’s not a requirement?’ She looks at me, eyeball to eyeball, (and says), ‘For you, it’s a requirement.’ I said, ‘Well, why me? Is it because I’m transgender?’”

[LINK: Voters Will Be Asked to Show Photo ID Beginning in 2020]

The woman added that she isn’t a felon, is well over the age of 18 and has voted in every election since she’s been eligible.

Mecklenburg County’s Board of Elections Director Michael Dickerson said staff shouldn’t have asked for her ID and while there won’t be repercussions for those involved, he is planning on sensitivity training for all workers.

“This is an excellent time to not just single someone out, but say, ‘We all need to be aware of this,’” Dickerson explained.

The woman said she hopes that is the case and will be waiting to see.

Cox Media Group