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Hilda Mason, Civil Rights Hero and DC Vote Champion of Democracy, Passes Away at 91

Monday, December 17, 2007

Washington, DC - DC Vote joins the thousands of people who mourn the passing of the Honorable Hilda Mason. Mason, who dedicated her life to the civil rights movement, was a staunch supporter of congressional voting representation and statehood for the District of Columbia.

DC Vote to Host Tea Party on the Potomac

The Revolution Is Still Brewing

Friday, December 14, 2007

Washington, DC - On the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, more than half a million Americans living in our nation's capital pay the second highest per capita federal taxes yet still have no voting representation in Congress. It's well past time for an end to "taxation without representation."

Public to Weigh In on Council Proposal for Tax Message Board

Sign Would Highlight Residents' Taxation without Representation

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Washington, DC - Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray announces the scheduling of a public hearing by the Committee of the Whole on Bill 17-28, the "Taxation Without Representation Federal Tax Pay-Out Message Board Installation Act of 2007." (PDF 13 kb)

Abe Lincoln Look-alike Enjoys Five Seconds of Fame during CNN Debate

DC Vote Still Looking for Answers from '08 Candidates

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Washington, DC- So it fell short of a full fifteen minutes of fame, but a DC Vote supporter and Abraham Lincoln look-alike did surprise the GOP candidates with a brief guest appearance at the CNN YouTube Republican Debate last night.

DC Vote Supporters Submit Videos to YouTube CNN Debate

Activists Tape Tough Questions for GOP Candidates at DCTV

Monday, November 26, 2007

Washington, DC - DC Vote supporters, in partnership with DCTV, used the public access station's equipment to tape their questions for submission to the YouTube CNN Republican Debate airing November 28 on CNN.

Leader at National Association of Evangelicals Supports DC Voting Rights

Richard Cizik Responds To Question from DC Vote Supporter

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Washington, DC - Richard Cizik, VP of Governmental Affairs at the National Association of Evangelicals, expressed his support of DC Voting Rights. At the Sunday Forum held at the National Cathedral on Sunday, November 18, a DC Vote coalition member asked Cizik about his view of the evangelical role in securing DC voting rights.

DC Residents Ask Presidential Candidates about Voting Rights for CNN/YouTube Debate

Chair of DC Republican Committee and Abraham Lincoln Look-Alike Participate in Event at DCTV

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Washington, DC - DC residents will focus national attention on the denial of voting representation in Congress at this DCTV & DC Vote co-sponsored event. Washingtonians will film their questions for Republican presidential candidates about their views on DC voting rights at DCTV's studio. The questions will be submitted for consideration to the November 28th GOP debate hosted by CNN and YouTube.

DC Veterans Rally in Support of Full Voting Rights

Decorated Soldiers Deliver Message to the Senate

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Washington, DC - Just four days before Veterans Day, more than a dozen veterans joined DC Vote and Delegate Eleanor Homes Norton to demand full voting rights and urge the passage of S.1257, the DC House Voting Rights Act.

Veterans Gather on Capitol Hill to Urge Senators to End Filibuster of DC Voting Rights Act

Veterans Deliver Petitions to Senators McCain, Hagel, and Warner

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Washington, DC -Veterans, relatives of veterans, and other supporters of DC voting rights will gather on Capitol Hill to call on Senators to end their filibuster of the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257). Following a short rally, groups of veterans will bring petitions to the offices of Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and John Warner (R-VA) requesting they end their filibuster. The rally and lobbying day is four days before Veterans' Day.

Suffering for DC Suffrage?

Question Raised at McCain Event

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Washington, DC - Today, DC Vote's Hippo Brigade made an appearance at another event featuring Senator John McCain (R-AZ) as part of the 'Hippos Follow Hypocrites' campaign. McCain is one of several Senators targeted as 'hippo-crites' for supporting a war to spread democracy in Iraq while filibustering a bill that would bring democracy to the nearly 600,000 residents of Washington, DC. In September, McCain voted against allowing discussion of the DC Voting Rights Act, a bill that would give Washingtonians their first ever vote in Congress.

Sen. John McCain Followed by Hippo-clad Activists Chanting 'Hippos Follow Hypocrites'

DC Voting Rights Advocates Give Filibustering Hippo-crite Senator a Halloween Surprise

Monday, October 29, 2007

Washington, DC -Giving Halloween a political twist, democracy advocates will rally outside a presidential event where Senator John McCain will be speaking. At least two activists will be in hippopotamus costumes. The group will distribute literature and holiday gifts of M&M’s that read 'Demand the Vote.' The activists will demand that Sen. McCain stop his 'hippo-crisy' and end his filibuster of the DC Voting Rights Act. McCain supports democracy for Iraq but filibusters democracy for DC. The event is part of DC Vote's 'Hippos Follow Hypocrites' campaign.

DC Vote Honors Champions of Democracy

Monday, October 22, 2007

Washington, DC - On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, DC Vote will honor the work of five of the District’s greatest advocates. Each year, DC Vote recognizes Champions of Democracy for their dedication to fulfilling the promise of democracy for residents of Washington, DC. These men and women represent the very best of American excellence.

Hippo-clad Activists Hound Hippo-crite Senators for Filibustering DC Voting Rights Act

'Hippos Follow Hypocrites' Campaign Launched at Presidential Forum Featuring Senators McCain and Brownback

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Washington, DC - Democracy advocates will rally outside a presidential forum where Senators John McCain and Sam Brownback are speaking. At least hippopotamuses will join them. The activists will demand that these presidential candidates stop their “hippo-crisy” and end their filibuster of the DC Voting Rights Act. McCain and Brownback support democracy for Iraq but filibuster democracy for DC. DC Vote Executive Director Ilir Zherka and will also give short remarks about the launch of the “Hippos Follow Hypocrites” campaign.

Zherka Recognized for Excellence by Meyer Foundation

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Washington, DC - DC Vote is pleased to announce that Ilir Zherka, our Executive Director, has been named a recipient of the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation’s 2007 Exponent Award. The award recognizes visionary leadership of nonprofit organizations working in the DC Area with budgets ranging from just under $1 million to more than $5 million. The Meyer Foundation selected Ilir as one of five awardees from among 30 nominees.

Republican Debate Elevates DC Voting Rights Issue

Candidates Agree It's Time to End Taxation Without Representation

Friday, September 28, 2007

Washington, DC - Voting Rights for the District of Columbia came up for discussion last night during the nationally-televised Republican presidential debate hosted by Tavis Smiley at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. This is the first time in decades that Republican candidates have debated DC voting rights.

Historic DC Voting Rights Bill Goes to Senate Floor

First Time in 30 Years that Senate Will Address DC's Denial of Voting Representation

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Washington, DC - At 2:15 PM today, the United States Senate is scheduled to begin debate on a procedural vote on the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257). DC voting rights supporters on and off the Hill are confident that the measure will receive the required 60 votes to proceed to the next step of debate and a vote on the bill itself.

Strong Vote Sign of Victory to Come

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Washington, DC - Today, in a procedural vote on the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257), a small group of Senators blocked the bill from being debated with a vote of 57 yeas - 42 neas. In order to overcome a filibuster, 60 votes are required.

Advocates Unite in Support of D.C. Voting Rights

Elected Officials and Civil Rights Leaders Urge Swift Passage of DC Voting Rights Bill

Friday, September 14, 2007

Washington, DC - On Monday, September 17th at 11:00 AM, Mayor Adrian Fenty, the Honorable Jack Kemp, and a prominent group of civil rights leaders including Wade Henderson and Raoul Cunningham come together to discuss one of the nation's most overlooked civil and human rights violations - the denial of voting representation in Congress for the residents of the District of Columbia.

DC Voting Rights Act Set to Hit Senate Floor

Reid Could Bring Up Bill by Week of September 17

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Washington, DC - During a press conference today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (R-NV) announced his intentions to bring the DC House Voting rights Act (S. 1257) to the Senate Floor the week of September 17. The bill would give DC residents their first ever voting member of Congress.

DC Vote Senate Rally Follows National Call-in Day

Citizens Return to Demand the Vote for DC

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Washington, DC - To build on the momentum of today's National Senate Call-in Day for DC voting rights, DC Vote supporters will rally outside Senate office buildings tomorrow, Wednesday, July 25.

Senator Orrin Hatch and Civil Rights Advocates Unite in Support of DC Voting Rights

Leaders Urge Swift Passage of DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257)

Monday, July 23, 2007

Washington, DC - On Tuesday, July 24th at 12 NOON, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Jack Kemp and a prominent group of civil rights advocates come together to discuss one of the nation's most overlooked civil and human rights violations - the denial of voting representation in Congress for the residents of the District of Columbia.

DC Citizens Fueled by Possibility of a Vote, Gather for Senate Rally

Washingtonians Demand the Vote on Wednesdays in July

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Washington, DC - DC residents have been promised by members of Congress and city leaders that this is the year they will be granted their first-ever vote in the House of Representatives. As the one-month summer recess for Congress looms, Washingtonians will remind Senators to follow through on their promise of democracy.

Young Suffragists Protest Taxation Without Representation in DC

Events Planned in Capital and California to Raise Awareness Among Youth

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Washington, DC - Youth advocates from Washington, DC and California have activities planned tomorrow and Saturday to raise awareness about taxation without representation in the nation's capital. The Young Suffragists' annual event is a protest on Friday in front of the White House, where dozens of youngsters march along the sidewalk and sing their signature song, "Do You Have a Senator?"

Strong Bipartisan Vote Boosts Momentum for DC Voting Rights

Senate Committee Passes Bill 9-1

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Washington, DC - DC Vote applauds the strong, bipartisan vote today of 9-1 in favor of granting DC its first ever voting member of Congress. All the Democrats on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted in favor of the bill. They were joined by three key Republicans: Senators Susan Collins (ME), Norm Coleman (MN) and George Voinovich (OH).

Senate Committee Marks-up DC House Voting Rights Act Tomorrow

Committee Action is the Last Hurdle Before S. 1257 Floor Vote

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Washington, DC - The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will mark-up the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) on Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 AM. The mark-up represents the last step in the legislative process before S. 1257 is sent to the Senate Floor.

DC House Voting Rights Act Clears Another Senate Hurdle

DC Vote Works Toward Mark-Up

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Washington, DC - "Today’s hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee provided an airing of perspectives on the DC Voting Rights Act. The hearing also allowed for a healthy debate and exchange on constitutionality, which embodies the very core of our democracy. I’m pleased to see a bill that would give democracy to the nation’s capital moving so swiftly through the democratic process.

Judiciary Committee Takes Next Steps on DC House Voting Rights Act

Committee Hearing Tomorrow Will Focus on Constitutionality

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Washington, DC - The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) on Wednesday, May 23 at 1:30 PM. Hearing witnesses will include members of Congress, the Utah Attorney General, constitutional experts and others.

DC House Voting Rights Act Hearing Leads to Pending Mark-Up

Lieberman Intends to Move the Legislation Within a Month

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Washington, DC - Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) kicked off today's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) by laying out a forceful case for the constitutionality of the bill. A senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Hatch is well-respected by Republicans and serves as a leader on constitutional issues.

DC House Voting Rights Act Considered in Senate Committee Tomorrow

Momentum from House Vote Sends Bill Forward

Monday, May 14, 2007

Washington, DC - The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will hold a hearing on the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) on Tuesday, May 15 at 10:00 AM. Hearing witnesses will include members of Congress, the mayor, civil rights leaders and others. The bill passed the House of Representatives on April 19.

DC Voting Rights Act Introduced in Senate with Changes

DC Vote Applauds Lieberman, Hatch for Swift Action

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) today introduced a bill in the Senate that would give DC citizens their first-ever voting member of Congress. A similar bill, the DC Voting Rights Act, passed the House of Representatives on April 19.

DC Voting Rights Act Returns to House Floor Tomorrow

DC Vote Expecting a Bipartisan Vote

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Washington, DC - The DC Voting Rights Act (now H.R. 1905) is scheduled to return to the House Floor tomorrow, Thursday for a vote. This historic act marks the first time in a generation that the House of Representatives will vote on a bill to give tax-paying, American citizens living in the District of Columbia a voting member of Congress.

Thousands Will Demand the Vote for DC on Monday

Mayor, City Leaders and Members of Congress Will Join Citizens for March

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Washington, DC - Marching down Pennsylvania Avenue, citizens and civil rights leaders who want to end taxation without representation in the nation’s capital will turn out Monday to raise awareness about DC’s injustice. The marchers will arrive at the Capitol at 4:00 PM to rally for voting rights.

Jack Kemp Will Rally the DC Voting Rights March Coalition

Kemp to Address Voting Rights Supporters at Planning Meeting Tomorrow

Monday, April 2, 2007

Washington, DC - Former Secretary and Vice Presidential Candidate Jack Kemp will address DC Vote's coalition tomorrow during a special planning meeting for the Voting Rights March.

DC Voting Rights Act - Post Floor Vote Press Event

Kemp, Davis, Norton and Fenty to Join DC Vote, LCCR and Coalition Partners

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Washington, DC - The DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.1433) is making its way through debate and a vote on the Floor of the House this afternoon. At this point, the debate and vote are expected to be completed by 2:30 PM.

DC Vote Denounces Ploy to Stall Action on DC Voting Rights Act

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Washington, DC - Action on the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R. 1433) was postponed in the House earlier today when a group of members attempted to link the bill, which would give Washington, DC, its first ever voting member of Congress, with lifting the city's gun safety laws.

DC Vote Confident Despite Administration’s Veto Threat

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Washington, DC - "For months we heard that the Bush Administration was leaning toward opposing the DC Voting Rights Act. DC Vote, therefore, is not surprised by the statement released today from the Executive Office of the President.

DC Voting Rights Act Moves to House Floor

Bill Passes Committee with 21-13 Vote

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Washington, DC - The DC Voting Rights Act (H.R. 1433) passed today in the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 21-13. H.R. 1433 will be sent to the House Floor soon, possibly as early as next week. This historic act marks the first time in a generation that the House of Representatives will consider a bill to give the tax-paying, American citizens living in the District of Columbia a voting member of Congress.

Dozens Rise in Support of DC Voting Rights Act Today, Mark-up Scheduled for Tomorrow

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Washington, DC - Dozens of Washingtonians, including Mayor Fenty, the shadow delegation and DC Vote supporters stood before a congressional committee today in a striking display of solidarity for the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R. 1433). The bill was heard in the House Judiciary Committee preceding tomorrow's mark-up.

Democratic and Republican Dignitaries Unite in Support of DC Voting Rights Act

Monday, March 12, 2007

Washington, DC - More than 20 former elected and appointed officials from both sides of the aisle have come together in support of the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R. 1433), a bill that would give Washingtonians their first-ever vote in Congress.

Hoyer Statement on Introduction of the 'District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007'

Friday, March 9, 2007

Washington, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) issued the following statement today regarding the introduction of the “District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007:”

Dozens of Legal Scholars Sign-on in Support of DC Voting Rights

Law Professors from Georgetown, Harvard and Yale Agree on Constitutionality

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Washington, DC - Legal scholars from universities around the country have signed on to a letter supporting the constitutionality of congressional voting rights for the District of Columbia. DC Vote, an education and advocacy group, will send the letter to members of Congress this week to quell any lingering constitutionality concerns.

Committee Hearings and Mark-Ups Scheduled for the DC Voting Rights Act

DC Vote and its coalition thrilled to see the fruits of their labor

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Washington, DC - DC Vote is pleased to announce that legislation that would give DC residents their first-ever vote in Congress is scheduled to move forward next week.

Citizen Advocates Turn Out by the Hundreds to Support the DC Voting Rights Act

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Washington, DC – In spite of chilling temperatures, hundreds of DC Vote supporters visited Capitol Hill today where they were fired up about DC voting rights. The corridors of the House office buildings swarmed with citizen advocates working to bring voting representation to the nation’s capital.

DC Vote Holds Congress Day 2007

Citizen Activists Will Push for Passage of DC Voting Rights Act

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Washington, DC - DC Vote and its coalition will bring together elected officials and citizen activists for Congress Day 2007. Supporters will educate members of Congress on the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R. 328) on Thursday, February 15 from 9:00 AM - Noon.

Constitutionality of H.R. 328, the DC Voting Rights Act

Statement from the Office of DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Washington, DC - We are not concerned about the constitutionality of H.R. 328. No similar case has ever been considered by any court, although the Tidewater case does create a favorable precedent. An unprecedented bill always raises constitutional issues, and we have always indicated that, not surprisingly, constitutional views on a novel bill like H.R. 328 are divided. However following extensive hearings before two committees in the House of Representatives that heard both sides of all the constitutional issues, we believe that the weight of constitutional opinion is with the District and H.R. 328.

DC Vote Responds to Misleading CRS Report

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Washington, DC - The issue of DC voting rights is a hot topic these days as Congress prepares to address legislation that would give Washingtonians their first-ever vote in Congress.

DC Vote Receives $250,000 Grant to Boost Voting Rights Movement

Foundation, Mayor Fenty Make Securing Congressional Vote Top Priority

Monday, January 22, 2007

Washington, DC – DC Vote has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Public Welfare Foundation, and the investment comes at a critical point in the DC voting rights movement where city leaders are united to bring congressional voting rights to the District of Columbia.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty to Announce Upcoming Voting Rights Initiative

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Washington, DC - As Mayor Adrian M. Fenty continues to push for voting rights for the District of Columbia, he along with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Members of the DC Council and individuals from DC Vote will make a special announcement concerning the City’s voting rights efforts.

DC Voting Rights Act Reintroduced With Better Odds at Swift Passage

Democratic Congress Signals Strong Support for DC Vote

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Washington, DC - The legislation that would give DC residents a vote in Congress for the first time ever was reintroduced today, bolstered by momentum from last year’s lame-duck push and Democratic statements of support by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Leader Steny Hoyer.

Norton and Davis Reintroduce D.C. Vote Bill

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Tom Davis (R-VA) today kept their promise to reintroduce the Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act as their first bill of the 110th Congress, introducing the same bill with the four-district plan. Davis, the original author of the bill, was the chair of the Committee when he worked with Norton for four years to get Republican and Democratic agreement on the current bill to give one vote to the mainly Democratic District of Columbia and another to the largely Republican state of Utah. The bill also would permanently increase the size of the House from 435 to 437 members.

Introduction of the District of Columbia Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2007

Statement from Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Washington, DC - Mr. Speaker, today Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Tom Davis (R-VA) and I keep our promise to reintroduce the Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act as our first bill of the 110th Congress. Rep. Davis was the chair of the Committee when we worked together for four years to get Republican and Democratic agreement on this bill to give one voting representative to the mainly Democratic District of Columbia and another to the largely Republican state of Utah. The idea arose after Utah narrowly missed getting a seat following the last census and later failed to get the Supreme Court to rule in the state's favor. The bill also would permanently increase the size of the House of Representatives from 435 to 437 members.

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