“California does not have voter ID,” Kiley said<\/a>. “You don\u2019t need to present it to register. You don\u2019t need to present it to vote.”<\/p>\n “What!? That\u2019s why the SAVE Act has been proposed<\/a> right there \u2026 the state of California,” said Smith, shocked.<\/p>\n The exchange unfolded as the House of Representatives had already passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act<\/a>, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, with a path to pass awaiting in the Senate.<\/p>\n Former Vice President Mike Pence, pictured during a Fox News Digital interview March 18, 2026, in Washington D.C., is a strong supporter of the SAVE Act, a federal bill that would require strict voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements across the country. (Fox News\/Paul Steinhauser; Kent Nishimura\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n TRUMP CALLS MAIL-IN VOTING CORRUPT AS SENATE BEGINS DEBATE ON SAVE ACT REQUIRING VOTER ID<\/a><\/p>\n Kiley argued California laws<\/a> prevent local governments from setting their own requirements, claiming it is “banned” within the state.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n House Majority Whip Tom Emmer accused Democrats of hypocrisy for requiring photo IDs for the DNC but not supporting the SAVE America Act. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n GOP GOVERNORS, AGS BACK TRUMP SAVE ACT PUSH, WARN SYSTEM GIVES ‘UNDUE INFLUENCE’ TO STATES WITH ILLEGAL ALIENS<\/a><\/p>\n “I thought every state just showed an ID … little did I know,” Smith said, calling the situation surprising.<\/p>\n Kiley framed voter ID as the global norm, claiming America is one of few democracies that haven’t enacted proof of citizenship legislation.<\/p>\n “There\u2019s maybe like two or three democracies in the world that don\u2019t have it,” Kiley noted. “This is just kind of a standard administrative requirement in a well-functioning democracy.”<\/p>\n Smith acknowledged Republicans are likely to use California’s approach as a central argument in pushing federal election reforms<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is leading a push to get the SAVE Act attached to any government spending deal that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hashes out in the upper chamber. (Patrick T. Fallon\/AFP via Getty Images; Al Drago\/Bloomberg via Getty Images\u00a0)<\/p>\n WATCH: DEM SENATORS MAKE THE CASE FOR THE VERY BILL THEY’RE TRYING TO KILL<\/a><\/p>\n “That’s what the Republicans [are] gonna lean on as an excuse to definitely push forth the Save Act right there, right there. I can’t believe it,” Smith stated.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “We have $5.56 per gallon right now in California<\/a> \u2026 nearly $2 higher than the national average,” he said. “Our regulations are impossible to comply with.”<\/p>\n Kiley also highlighted broader economic pressures, pointing to housing, energy and taxation.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE<\/a><\/p>\n “We have the highest housing prices \u2026 highest electricity rates \u2026 highest taxes,” he said. “That\u2019s why we have the highest poverty in California when you factor in cost of living.”<\/p>\n Kiley became an independent after California’s new Proposition 50 gerrymandered congressional maps were passed in the state in November 2024, which includes much of his home base in the suburbs of Sacramento.<\/p>\n![\"Mike](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/pence-save-act-sign-split-3.jpg\")
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