DC Vote - I Am DC: I Demand the Vote

Voices On The Edge waiting for their chance at retribution

Wishing they'd remove the tape from their mouths

Silenced by the cold hands of their constitution

When they only wish to be seated at the House

That their fathers, forefathers, and many sons have built...

—Pages, Poet, excerpt from The Crab's Womb

It is hard to describe the feeling of powerlessness residents of Washington have; we can elect a "Delegate" who is not a member of Congress. She cannot vote for us. We are unrepresented in the forum where all other Americans have the right to help make laws and set policy. It is irritating in the extreme, and I am constantly being reminded of this shameful condition, heightened by the knowledge that most other Americans do not know.

—Julian Bond, NAACP Chairman

As a social studies teacher, I encourage my students to get involved in their community and enact change. In Washington, DC, this is easier said than done without full representation. I demand the vote so that my students feel their voice is heard and are then empowered to improve their lives and the lives of others.

—Kathryn, DC Public School Teacher

At Ben's Chili Bowl, we see it all—rich and poor, tourists and locals, Presidents and college students. I've seen DC change a lot over the years, but one change I haven't seen yet—that DC really needs—is a vote in Congress. I, along with Ben's customers and all DC residents, deserve an equal voice.

—Kamal, Owner of Ben's Chili Bowl

As a DC nurse of 25 years, my professional passions for the causes of AIDS, homelessness and community wellness makes me yearn for a voice on the national debate of health care reform. I have the experience, the understanding and the heart to make a real difference in our ever widening health disparities... now all I need is a real vote.

—Dixcy, Nurse

Way before I met P. Diddy and Jay Z, and before I started the Hip Hop Caucus, I was the Student Body President at the University of the District of Columbia. I felt disenfranchised when other student presidents from around the country would come to the capital to meet with their member of Congress. I lived here in DC where poverty and violence plague our communities. Knowing that my member had no vote in Congress made me feel voiceless and powerless in the most powerful city in the world.

—Rev. Yearwood, Hip Hop Caucus

DC voting rights is important to me because it speaks to the universal right of all people—no matter where they live—to be represented. The U.S. has been a constant advocate for democracy around the world, and so it's important for citizens of the world to be advocates for democracy in the U.S.

—Martin, Senior Editor of DCist

I want ALL children in the nation's capital to grow up knowing that they can enjoy one of the most fundamental and vital privileges of living in this great nation. That privilege is to be able to vote for a member of Congress who can represent and VOTE for their interests in the national debate on those issues that affect their lives.

—Marie Johns, Managing Member of L&L Consulting

I came to DC as a young man. I've grown up here. This is my home. My friends live here, and their friends. I work here, play here, and study here. I hope to start a family here. I have lived the American dream here in every way except the most fundamental: I do not have representation in Congress.

—Ian, Technology Specialist

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