Stephen A Smith stunned after Rep Kevin Kiley educates him on California voter ID ban

Rep.

Kevin Kiley explained California's voter ID during an appearance Thursday on "Straight Shooter with Stephen A," on SiriusXM, prompting a stunned response from host Stephen A.

Smith as the conversation turned to election integrity and federal reform.

"California does not have voter ID," Kiley said.

"You don’t need to present it to register.

You don’t need to present it to vote."
Kiley argued California laws prevent local governments from setting their own requirements, claiming it is "banned" within the state.

"The state passed a law forbidding voter ID," Kiley said, adding that localities, cities and counties are not allowed to enact their own standards.

Smith admitted he was unaware of the policy.

"I thought every state just showed an ID ...

little did I know," Smith said, calling the situation surprising.

Kiley framed voter ID as the global norm, claiming America is one of few democracies that haven't enacted proof of citizenship legislation.

"There’s maybe like two or three democracies in the world that don’t have it," Kiley noted.

"This is just kind of a standard administrative requirement in a well-functioning democracy."
Smith acknowledged Republicans are likely to use California's approach as a central argument in pushing federal election reforms.

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The conversation widened beyond elections, with Kiley discussing California's high cost of living and gas prices, arguing that high costs within the Golden State are driven more by state policy than global events.

"We have $5.56 per gallon right now in California … nearly $2 higher than the national average," he said.

"Our regulations are impossible to comply with."
Kiley also highlighted broader economic pressures, pointing to housing, energy and taxation.

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"We have the highest housing prices … highest electricity rates … highest taxes," he said.

"That’s why we have the highest poverty in California when you factor in cost of living."