New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to open five city-owned grocery stores offering a 30% discount on essentials across the five boroughs from 2027 has drawn criticism over reported identity requirements, which officials have denied.
Jeanny Pak, chief financial officer at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), suggested the city might use a "library-card-esque system" to prevent bulk buying and abuse by non-residents.
However, Mayor Mamdani's press secretary, Joe Calvello, stated on X that the stores will be open to everyone, with no system to verify identity, residency, or income, and no requirement to show ID. He wrote, "Insane this even needs to be said, but to be absolutely clear: NYC Grocery stores will be open to everyone."
Mamdani also said on The Joy Reid Show that customers do not need an ID to shop. His spokesperson Dora Pekec added on X that the only card will be a voluntary savings card similar to those at typical supermarkets.
Estimated number in the US lacking documents like passports or birth certificates needed for voter registration, according to the Brennan Center.
Despite these clarifications, critics have seized on the earlier remarks. Elon Musk commented, "Oh, the irony is too much." Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares argued it is hypocritical to require an ID for a taxpayer-funded store while opposing voter ID laws. Senator Rick Scott claimed Mamdani wants ID checks for groceries but calls them racist for elections. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also claimed a valid ID would be needed.
The program's Request for Proposal (RFP) states that operators will create a voluntary, free membership card program not required for physical access to the stores. The Bipartisan Policy Center noted, "There is no evidence that noncitizen voting has ever been significant enough to impact an election’s outcome."
