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DC Guide
Learn more about DC, its history, and how to get around the city. |
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DC Voting Rights and Representation
Just like all Americans, residents of Washington, DC:
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pay federal and local taxes;
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serve in the armed forces and make sacrifices in times of war and conflict;
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serve on juries to uphold federal laws and policies.
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Yet, DC residents are denied voting representation in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, and do not have complete autonomy over their own budget and local laws. Congress has the final say on DC's budget and laws.
DC elects a Delegate to the House of Representatives who can vote in committee and draft legislation, but does not have full voting rights. However, Congress is considering legislation that will grant DC's Delegate full voting rights. The current Delegate is Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
DC residents also elect two shadow senators and a shadow representative as non-voting representatives. This shadow delegation lobbies Congress on District issues and concerns.
There are various solutions that would bring different degrees of federal representation and local autonomy to Washingtonians. Select the links below to find out about organizations* involved in DC voting rights and statehood issues.
* The links above will remove you from the DC.Gov website. DC Government is not responsible for the information provided on these external sites.
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