Spencer Pratt posted a video on X of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announcing plans for city-owned grocery stores that offer cheaper basics. Shoppers would need to show ID to prove they live in the city. In his post, Pratt called out the ID rule and pointed to how it differs from the usual stance against voter ID. Online users reacted after the clip circulated, with many comments focusing on the same contrast.
The video shows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaking at a podium in East New York, Brooklyn. He states that the city’s request for proposals “makes very clear that this is a program for New Yorkers to be able to put food on the table, not a program for people to be able to make a quick buck through reselling.” He then steps aside as EDC Interim President Jeanny Pak takes the microphone.
In the clip, Pak says, “Yes, if you look at our RFP for the operator, we are looking to make sure that we target New Yorkers, whether it be [through] a sort of a library card-esque [system], and also, we manage who’s buying and that it’s focused on everyday New Yorkers.”
The original post described the plan as requiring identification for access to the discounted items at the city-owned markets. The announcement outlines five municipal grocery stores offering 30% discounts on staples, with the first expected in 2027; the video does not show details of how the access system would operate in practice.
How Viewers Are Responding to the ID-for-Discounts Announcement
Many commenters focused on what they viewed as a double standard with voter identification rules. One wrote, “According to New York’s own Senator, @SenSchumer, showing ID to vote is Jim Crow. The largest city in his state is implementing Jim Crow controls over groceries; will he speak out against this like he did ID to vote?”
Others made similar points, saying “ID for groceries but no ID to vote? Makes sense to me” and “I have to show my ID to buy a loaf of bread but NOT to vote?”
Some described the approach as inconsistent or hypocritical, with comments including “What a hypocrite” and “They want to make it ‘easier for voters to vote’ but harder for people to eat??”
The plan remains in early planning stages, with the first city-owned stores not expected to open until 2027. Online discussion continues to focus on how the proposed residency verification compares with ongoing debates over identification requirements for voting.
