NYC Mayor Defends Requiring 2 IDs for Snow Shoveling, Not Voting

Mamdani cites federal employment law, but sidesteps questions on voter ID requirements

Feb. 24, 2026 at 2:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended the city's policy of requiring two forms of ID for residents to get paid for shoveling snow, citing federal employment law. However, he sidestepped questions on why the city does not have similar ID requirements for voting.

Why it matters

The debate over ID requirements for voting has become a major political issue, with Democrats opposing measures they see as voter suppression and Republicans arguing they are necessary to secure elections. Mamdani's response highlights the complex legal and political dynamics around ID policies.

The details

In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Mamdani said the city's snow shoveling program requires two forms of ID due to federal employment law, but he did not address the question of why voter ID is not required. Tapper also asked Mamdani about comments made by former President Donald Trump criticizing the snow shoveling program, to which Mamdani responded that his conversations with Trump have focused on helping New York City.

  • The interview with Mayor Mamdani took place on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who defended the city's policy of requiring two forms of ID for snow shoveling jobs.

Jake Tapper

A CNN journalist who interviewed Mayor Mamdani about the city's ID requirements for snow shoveling and voting.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who criticized New York City's snow shoveling program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Here in New York City, we follow the law. And it's federal law to require certain forms of identification in order for someone to actually be paid for this kind of a job. And so that's what we're asking for — two forms of identification. It's a long-standing city program; it's a long-standing city policy.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (CNN)

“It's so crazy. You know, the mayor of New York — and he's a very nice person, I've met him —b ut his ideology is not—not too good. But, we're having a massive snowstorm right now, and I've heard that he's asked people to come out and help shovel the snow. Okay, so you get a shovel and you start shoveling, right? What the hell, you're not going to help too much, but you can help.”

— Donald Trump (Fox News)

What’s next

The debate over ID requirements for voting is expected to continue, with Democrats and Republicans likely to clash over proposed legislation like the SAVE Act.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's response highlights the complex legal and political dynamics around ID policies, with the city citing federal employment law to justify its snow shoveling requirements while sidestepping questions about voter ID. This issue is likely to remain a point of contention in the ongoing debate over election integrity and voter access.