Lesson Plan - Historical Timeline of DC Voting Rights - Half Page

1801: Congress passes the Organic Acts of 1801, which first took away the vote from the people living in the District of Columbia.

1961: The 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, granting DC residents the right to vote in U.S. Presidential elections for the first time ever.

1973: The Home Rule Act provides for an elected mayor and 13-member Council. Congress retains right to review and overturn all laws. District budget requires approval of Congress and President.

1985: The DC Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment fails. The amendment only receives 16 of the required 38 states for ratification.

2006: The DC Voting Rights Act of 2006 (H.R. 5388) addresses concerns that arose from the DC FAIR Act of 2005. Sponsored by Representative Tom Davis (R-VA) and Delegate Norton, the DC VRA moves out of the House Committee on Government Reform with a vote of 29-4 on May 18, 2006. The bipartisan bill goes to the House Judiciary Committee.

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