New York Mayor’s Snow Shovel Program Sparks ID Controversy Amid Voting Rights Debate
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after urging residents to sign up as paid snow shovelers ahead of a major winter storm, requiring applicants to present two forms of identification.
The policy has drawn sharp scrutiny on social media, where critics highlight the mayor’s affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America—a group that opposes voter identification laws. Some users question why New Yorkers must show ID to clear streets but not when voting in their city.
As the city braces for its second significant snowstorm of the year, Mayor Mamdani announced that participants could earn $19.14 per hour. During a news conference, he stated that the Department of Sanitation had prepared 33 vans and two buses to transport shovelers to areas needing assistance.
“Just show up at your local sanitation garage between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. tomorrow with your paperwork—available online at NYC.gov/now—and you can get started right away,” Mamdani said.
According to the city’s registration requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and capable of performing heavy physical labor. They are required to submit two small photographs, two original forms of identification, and a Social Security card.
Social media users have reacted with criticism, with one noting: “This is why consistency in governance matters. Rules shouldn’t change depending on the political objective.” Another added: “I believe this to be taunting their hypocrisy on ID—it just has to be.”
New York does not require photo identification at polling places, though voters must provide a driver’s license number, state ID number, or last four digits of their Social Security number for registration. If election officials cannot verify identity, individuals may be required to present acceptable ID at the polls.
The Democratic Socialists of America recently opposed the Republican-backed SAVE America Act, which would mandate photo identification for ballot casting.
