City Requires Multiple Documents for Snow Shoveling Registration
NEW YORK — City Council Member Zohran Mamdani is facing a wave of criticism after the city required multiple forms of identification to register as an emergency snow shoveler, even as he and his affiliated organization oppose laws requiring ID for voting.
According to the New York City Department of Sanitation (NYC DSNY) website, individuals wishing to register as emergency snow shovelers must submit two passport-sized photos, two original forms of identification along with copies, and a social security card.
On Saturday, during a press conference ahead of a major snowstorm, Council Member Mamdani urged residents to register and bring all required documents to local sanitation garages. Snow shovelers are paid $19.14 per hour, increasing to $28.71 per hour after 40 hours of work in a week.
Conflict with Anti-Voter ID Stance
Mamdani is a member of the New York chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization that opposes bills requiring ID for voting, including the "SAVE Act." The DSA argues that these regulations are discriminatory and impede the right to vote.
The city's requirement for multiple documents for snow shoveling is therefore seen by many as contradictory to the Council Member's anti-voter ID stance.
Social Media Mocks "Double Standard"
After the information spread, many social media accounts mocked what they called a "double standard" — opposing document requirements for voting, but demanding multiple forms of ID for temporary labor registration.
However, legal experts noted that labor document regulations are typically aimed at verifying identity and legal employment conditions, which differs from the legal debate over voting rights — which are protected by the U.S. Constitution.
New York Prepares for Major Snowstorm
The controversy unfolds as New York prepares to face a major snowstorm that could cause widespread disruption. The city often mobilizes emergency snow removal crews to ensure traffic safety and daily life for millions of residents.
This latest debate continues to reflect the divisions within New York politics regarding identification, labor, and voting rights.
