I Demand the Vote Because

More than half a million Americans call Washington, DC, home. Each person has their own story. Read the very personal testimonials from District residents who demand the vote.

"I am working as a federal employee for the good of this nation and I believe my country should allow me to have a say in how it is governed. A country that prides itself on equality should not eliminate hard working citizens from the right to vote." — Hildigunnur

"I don't feel like an American citizen anymore, now that I live in DC, and I have no say in my country. " — Jennifer

"I believe that the District's seemingly perennial struggles with issues such as poverty, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, and violence are rooted in our disenfranchisement. I refuse to stand by as the world's greatest democracy neglects the fundamental right of the citizens of its capital to representation in Congress. " — Sarah

"I believe in taxation WITH representation." — Barbara

"Citizen's of our nations CAPITAL deserve the same voting right everyone else is granted. " — Christopher

"as a tax-paying citizen, I have the right to decide how government spends my money!" — Friederike

"it's a national travesty that 600,000-plus residents are denied a basic American right especially in the Nation's capital. " — Jay

"I love my adopted city. I find the arrogance of Congress members, who are GUESTS in our city, to be unbelievable. I would never go to Tulsa and tell them how to run their city." — Julie

"I am an American too! I was born in the United States of America. I served my country in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years. I pay taxes. My decision to move to the Nation's Capital should not mean I give up my right to representation in Congress! It should not matter that I am now a "stateless" American! I am an American too! I demand the vote! " — Jacque

"It saddens me whenever I read "contact your representative" about a cause or issue I want to support. Every time it stings a little to be reminded I don't have a representative in congress." — Kathryn

"Life time Resident, We need This Vote because its the Right thing to Do.... " — Ronald

"Residents from DC serve in the armed forces to bring democracy to other coutries, but don't get a vote back home? That's shameful." — Leon

"Taxation without representation was the impetus behind the American Revolution. The fact that approx. 600,000 people living in DC have no federal representation (with a vote) in Congress is appalling and contrary to the bedrock principles of this country, not to mention the wellbeing of DC. " — Brian

"it is difficult to respect the laws of this nation without a democratic say in what they are. This city needs an equal advocate and representative. " — Kathryn

"DC is the heart of American democracy. It's a travesty that American promotes democracy worldwide but refuses to give it to residents of our own capitol. We are entitled to the same rights as all other Americans--including the right to representation. Our nation's leaders need to focus more on the moral importance of giving all Americans the right to vote and less on petty concerns about how we will vote." — Andrew

"It's the right thing to do. We pay taxes, we serve on juries, and we, like every other US citizen, should have our own representation!" — Catherine

"DC citizens must have Congressional representation that has a vote. It's outrageous that DC resident's have no ability to be heard on national issues involving their life, liberty, and happiness. " — larry

"I pay federal income tax, but cannot have a say in how my money is spent because my congressional representative does not have a vote. Arggh!" — Kathleen

"600,000 people deserve to have a say in our democracy." — Cara

"I want representation. Democracy should start in the nation's capital before preaching others." — Semret

"All Americans have to be equal -- and vote!" — DM

"It's an American right." — Norma

"I am an American and deserve to have the same rights as every other citizen. I want to lobby a Rep. with a vote!" — Ethan

"I'm [a] DC resident." — Fredy

"Even though I am not from DC, it is my home. The policies affect me and my family." — Cristen

"I pay taxes!" — Marika

"American principles of one person-one vote demand it." — Darlene

"Our taxes shouldn't be given if we aren't given a vote!" — Luke

"I'm tired of being disenfranchised." — Alex

"Everyone deserves to be heard and have their voices be part of the democratic system. One person can make a world of difference." — Pablo

"I am a resident and citizen and deserve the opportunity to be represented." — Alice

"DC needs to be recognized." — Martha

"It's constitutional and just." — Natalia

"It's only fair." — Hugo

"Constitution." — Jessica

"As a democratic nation, all citizens deserve appropriate representation. DC residents should be no less represented than any other." — Amelia

"We have no representative!!" — Paul

"It is a great injustice that the residents of the District don't have the right to full representation." — Alexandra

"I expect my vote as an American citizen and expect equal treatment under the law." — David

"It's our right" — Francis

"One person -- one vote." — Gregory J.

"This is a democracy and I deserve a vote and representation. I have a right and a responsibility to vote." — Krista

"Every person gets a vote." — Katherine

"My vote counts no matter where I live." — Amanda

"Another group of people are being silenced--99% liberal DC voters!" — Kate

"I pay crazy taxes here in DC !" — Zoe

"I pay taxes and should have a say in the decisions that are made that effect me just like everyone else." — Stephanie

"I am a taxpayer and I deserve to be represented as" — Analya

"This is America. I pay taxes. I'm an American. We live in a democratic country. I am a citizen. Everyone deserves it." — Laura

"I believe we as a city need to have voting rights. Maybe not." — Eugene

"I understand that my opinion matters. I want to take advantage of my opportunity to choose who my political leaders will be." — India

"We deserve it!" — Michael

"I want my voice to be heard." — Alejandro

"DC needs to be represented as I am in MD" — Martin J.

"DC residents deserve full representation!" — Judy

"I am a citizen & a taxpayer." — Adam

"Representation is everyone's right!" — Adam E.

"All federal laws affect me, but I have no voice in their passage." — Adam

"DC residents deserve representation! Democracy for DC!" — Ryan

"It's fair." — Laura

"It is the right thing to do." — David

"We pay taxes. We need to be respresented & heard." — Ingrid

"No Taxation without representation" — Nestor

"I am very involved in our political process. I campaign & read & involve myself in politics however possible. Not being able to vote feels unjust." — Genevieve

"No taxes without representation." — David

"Because it is my Constitutional right as a citizen & tax payer to have full representation." — Barbara

"I pay taxes." — David

"We deserve it as much as everyone else. That simple." — Aziz

"We pay taxes here!" — Christina

"I want a say in what Congress does with my money, and I don't want them imposing rules on my schools." — Isabel

"If you live in the country, your voice should be heard." — Jeffrey

"Everyone deserves a voice." — Mathew M.

"I deserve to be represented in my government." — Sara

"It's fair" — Ana

"It's fair." — Veronica

"I am supposed to have one!" — Marissa

"I enjoy voting." — Cassie

"It's the right thing to do." — Andrea

"I live in Washington DC !" — Sophia

"As one of the major capitals of the world and the nation's capital, we should be represented by an official elected by our demographis area." — Sanison H.

"I'm a U.S. citizen." — Margaret Gillen

"I am the mother of two boys. I want them to grow up in a safe community." — Martha C.

"DC residents deserve rights equal to others." — Stuart

"I deserve a voice in Congress." — Julie

"It's the right thing to do!" — Margaret

"I pay my taxes like the rest of the country." — Joshua

"I live in a democracy." — Nathaniel

"I am an American citizen!" — Carrianne

"We need representation." — John B.

"I've got rights, too." — Nisa

"All Americans should have this right. I live where American rights are the center of the city, yet I can't vote. An oxymoron!" — Margaret

"That is a right -- not a privilege." — Marie

"As a citizen, we deserve a voice of active representation--pay taxes & support the city." — Giselle

"I believe in democracy--born & raised in Boston, the birthplace of American democracy. Let's do this!" — Michael

"We need a change in economy." — Luis G.

"The residents of DC deserve a voice in our government and to be represented at all levels." — Elisa

"fundamental right" — Phillip

"To have equal rights in Congress." — Denise

"District residents deserve equal representation to citizens of other states." — Andrew W.

"The capital itself must represent democratic values." — Tyler

"It makes sense! Our schools are horrid! DC needs representation! It's a no-brainer." — Betsy

"Taxation without representation isn't democratic." — Solomon

"I am a citizen of this country, too -- and I want to participate in our "democracy."" — Eve

"I am a citizen!" — Carolyn

"It's the right thing for all Americans." — Rick

"Our taxes should be put back in our community." — Stephanie

"I pay taxes!" — Nicola

"No citizens should be silenced." — Jason

"As a resident of DC and a U.S. citizen, I deserve voting respresentation in the U.S. Congress." — Matthew

"Every other American can -- why can't we?" — Kathleen

"I am citizen of the United States -- I deserve full rights guaranteed to all persons of the U.S., entitled to me by the constitution." — Jenifer

"I have an important voice that needs to be heard." — Daniel

"We deserve the chance to stand up for our beliefs and have them count for something." — Elizabeth

"I pay D.C. taxes!" — Heather S.

"The Constitution guarantees equal representation for all citizens without any exemption for those of us who happen to live -- and pay taxes -- in the seat of the federal government." — Dori K.

"We pay taxes, too." — Courtenay

"It's a democracy." — Moses

"Equal representation is my American right." — Holly

"DC residents deserve a day!" — Abigail

"I can vote and be represented in Minnesota, but if I make my recent move to DC permanent, I will lose that voice. People in DC are also citizens and part of our country." — Raina

"The nation's capital has more crime, poverty, and public health crises than other major urban areas." — Jordanna

"I count." — Jes

"It is equality." — Colin

"I guess it only makes sense." — Kristian

"That's what democracy is all about!" — Ilana

"Without representation on the Hill with a vote, we have less of a voice and have people outside our area making decisions for us." — Chris M.

"It's about time!" — Elicia

"Our nation should live up to its founding ideals and principles." — Max

"We need full representation in Congress and want a fair shake from the U.S." — Jane M.

"I didn't get my 40 acres and a mule." — Sharon

"I am important and pay taxes." — Lisa

"I am an American." — Rachel K.

"Just because I am black and proud and you have treated blacks real bad in this country." — Ernestine

"I've been able to vote in every place else in the U.S. in which I've lived. And I pay taxes." — Marguerite

"Everyone deserves a vote, especially when it comes to important legislation like healthcare." — Yadira

"It is my right as a U.S. citizen! 600,000 cannot be disenfranchised any longer!" — Melissa

"As a tax paying resident, I should have my representative in Congress." — Elizabeth

"Senate or Congress does not value the sentiment of the D.C. city council. And because D.C. is not a state we hold more concern for laws being passed." — Eyob

"I am a resident of the USA." — Michael

"I definitely believe that we are all one and one for all "the People."" — John

"am [illegible] in society that effects you. The thoughts of a federal government [illegible] to the wellness and illness [illegible] that yields the DC -- where too [illegible]." — Reginald

"Like every other American -- that's all." — Brian John

"I pay taxes just like everyone outside of the district, but I currently have no representation in the U.S. Congress." — Eric

"We deserve representation just like everyone else." — Pamela

"I pay taxes!" — Sharon

"My voice deserves to count." — Rachel

"Every American needs a voting voice in Congress!" — Jim

"It's only fair!" — Douglas K.

"D.C. is still a part of the U.S. and should have the same rights as everyone else." — Tanya

"fairness" — Jayne

"I pay taxes!" — Katie

"It's only the fundamental precept of our government. Every legal building block of our nation says I can't be disenfranchised -- yet I am because I choose to live in the capital city." — Roger C.

"DC needs represenation!" — Samuel Gale

"I am a citizen who deserves representation! It is my right and the foundation of our government!" — Heidi

"DC should have everything residents of Maryland and Virginia have." — Dan

"I am a citizen." — Arianne

"It's fair." — Isabel

"C'mon get serious." — Cullen

"I just want to vote and feel better (about who I vote for)." — Ongelia

"It's about bloody time! I have lived here for 35 years." — Sondra

"It is everybody's democratic right to vote." — Guglethu

"I am a DC resident and U.S. citizen." — Alfrazie

"I pay taxes!" — Andre Maria

"I pay federal taxes." — Claire

"I pay taxes. I am an American. I've served my country." — B. Patrick

"Every American citizen deserves representation." — Beth

"I can." — Rick

"It is the only right and democratic thing to do." — Nancy

"I pay taxes." — Kathleen

"Even if I don't live here people deserve the right to vote." — Cheri

"Every voice should be heard." — J. Grant

"I am an American citizen." — Carolyn

"I pay fed taxes!!!!" — Peggy

"It is an essential right and a huge injustrice that our representation is unequal." — Ivan

"I pay taxes." — Jessica

"It's in the Constitution." — Thomas

"I count!" — Jody

"I live here, and I am a citizen of the USA." — Melissa

"DC seems very oriented toward "special interest" entities at the expense of taxpaying citizens." — Pierre

"My vote deserves to count." — Mary Lee

"A native born citizen." — Frank D.

"I deserve a vote just as any other citizen in the U.S." — Hilary

"I've lived here 37 years and am tired of waiting." — Mary B.

"Every citizen deserves representation." — Robyn

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Chantrel

"everybody else does!" — Michelle

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Rick

"it is a crime that residents of our nation's capitol have no representation." — Aaron R.

"All citizens deserve the right to vote." — Jan M.

"It's completely unfair that I can't. Why shouldn't I get to vote just because of where I live. I am a US Citizen and deserve representation." — Dan

"Taxation without representation is tyranny." — Cynthia Shultz

"I have no real voice in directing the course of our country." — Benjamin L.

"I pay federal taxes and our citizens volunteer and serve in the military." — Peter

"I pay taxes, and I am an American -- I deserve the vote." — Cynthia Shultz

"I pay taxes!" — Kathleen

"I pay taxes -- I'm a citizen!" — Karen

"I am an American citizen." — Robert

"I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN! When is that not enough." — Donnajean

"I PAY TAXES. I SERVED IN THE ARMY. I SUPPORT USA." — Monte

"I have a voice too!" — Amanda

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Tiffany

"I am a citizen and pay taxes. This is not right! Give us the vote or exempt us from taxes." — B. Raifard

"I deserve the same rights as any other citizen in the US!" — Heather M

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Nathalie

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Abby

"I deserve a voice and a vote in Congress." — Geoffrey

"I am a citizen who lives in a place with more people than Wyoming!" — Janice

"It's my Constitutional right!" — Natalie Fay

"I am a US Citizen. I pay taxes my brother served in Vietnam - no vote no representation-not fair-" — Alison S

"I am a fifth generation Washingtonian. Served in the Army and demand the same rights as ALL Americans." — John M.

"I pay high taxes and am a US citizen and want representation in Congress." — Amity

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Justin

"I'm an American." — Myke

"I Live in DC" — Michelle

"I live in the U.S." — Dalal

"Human Rights!" — Sarah P.

"I'm SUPPOSED TO HAVE ONE…RIGHT?" — Ron

"I deserve it -- I pay taxes, I work to keep government strong -- let me have a voice like everyone else. Why not?? --You make Laws that affect me, but I have no say." — Elizabeth E.

"I am a citizen and deserve representation!" — Timothy

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Len

"I am a citizen and my voice should be heard. This is a democracy, no?" — Eric

"THE RIGHT PRACTICE OF RIGHTS." — Jayo

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Dous

"I care and voting matters for every citizen!" — Benjamin

"The citizens in DC are just as American as the rest of the country and deserve the same rights" — Jackson

"it's time and very important to vote as a citizen." — Dawit

"I'm 29, a woman, and a citizen of the U.S." — Kate

"I had better representation when I lived overseas than I do now living within sight of the US Capitol building! That's not right!" — Jennifer A.

"as a citizen I am entitled to this right - I want what all other Americans have!" — Corinne

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — M.

"We pay taxes, we contribute in every way citizens of the 50 states do. WE DESERVE THE VOTE" — Anne

"Don't DC residents live in a democracy too? We want the same voting rights as ALL US citizens!" — Jennifer

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Catrina

"to give equal representation." — Andria

"I am a citizen" — Shelly

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Frederick

"Restore the Soverignty of the Generations of US born in Washington, D.C. and the United States, Restore the Constitutional Privacy Act." — Sheila

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — James

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Kathleen

"I AM A CITIZEN OF U.S." — Michael B.

"I'm AN AMERICAN!" — Jan C.

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Elizabeth

"Really? Do I need reason?" — Katherine

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Cindy

"All citizens deserve a vote." — S.

"WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN WITHIN DC AND IN THE NATION" — Julia

"Everyone's vote is supposed to count and DC's vote does not." — Goesis

"So my voice is heard! This is a democracy!" — K.

"FUNNY-HUH? WE DON'T VOTE IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY" — Craig A.

"All citizens have the right to vote." — Janet

"I'm a US CITIZEN" — Barbara B.

"It's only fair considering everyone else has that right." — LaWon

"Pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments!" — Curt

"I live in DC!" — Priscilla J.

"I PAY TAXES!" — John

"We believe in Democracy." — Michael

"We are US citizens. Our vote should count." — Constance

"I pay taxes like everyone else in the country and D.C. deserves representation. People LIVE here and this is their home." — Joanne

"It's the American way!" — Dianne K.

"It's my right as a resident." — Michael

"I'm in Washington." — Toria

"It's my right. " — Hector

"No U.S. citizen should be disenfranchised." — Reed

"I am an American citizen & a patriot." — Edward V.

"pay taxes" — Benjamin

"Taxation without representation is tryanny!" — Robert L.

"It is my right." — Sapna

"It's the Right Thing to do and Have!" —

"I am an American and have rights. My voice should be heard" — Erik

"No representation is causing our voice to be squashed and our needs to be rendered politically sold and bargained away." — Teresa

"DC residents pay taxes, are responsible for preserving the capitol and we deserve full rights." — Kathleen

"every citizen deserves representation--after equal representation goes leads to the tea party." — Paul

"Everyone should have a voice." — Krista

"I pay taxes too!" — Laura

"WE NEED TO BE REP IN CONGRESS." —

"Because it makes sense!!!" — Filipe

"We pay TAXES" — Norma

"WE NEED Our Say in Congress. Why pay Taxes if we don't have a say." — Marcia

"I want my voice to be heard by congress." —

"We Need it" — Santa

"All should have the right to vote regardless of location. Let us vote!" — L.

"I pay taxes" — Randy

"Because it's my right" — Tomara

"You're going to tax me, then give me representation." — Jennifer

"I pay taxes" — Kathleen

"My voice should be heard" — Abby

"I pay taxes" — Zackory

"I vote for Obama" — Dennis J.

"There is every reason in the world to give us the vote, and none not to." — Katherine

"I am a tax paying USA citizen and I deserve a voice in our democratic government." — Nancy

"tax=voting rights! We pay high tax; we need to vote!" — Jessica

"We're citizens, too!" — Christopher

"I don't like losing representation in Congress just because I move." — Andrew

"I pay taxes. Nuff said." — Carey

"It's my Constitutional right!" — Christina

"I am a citizen of a democratic country. I pay taxes." — Margaret

"Voting is a human right in our democracy." — Benjamin

"Without representation in Congress, my voice as an American is unheard." — Aram

"We are vital contributors to the workforce & deserve participation in democracy." — Madeleine

"Taxation without representation is NOT and NEVER is OK!" — Ariel

"I pay federal taxes and want a rebate back to 1983 when I moved here!" — Janice

"I need represent my interest as a citizen of this country and also my family interest!" — Maribel

"I want to see healthcare reformed and my say in the way it happpens!" — Pavaune

"I am a US citizen, a taxpayer, and a voter. My suffrage should not be denied. It is unAmerican and unfair." — Ashley

"As a DC resident and taxpayer I deserve the right as well as recognition." — Jessica

"I am an American citizen who pays taxes (some of the highest in the United States) and do not have a vote in the Congress." — Yolanda

"I believe tax paying US citizens should have a vote in Congress." — Emily

"I believe all US citizens ought to have equal opportunity for representation." — Heather

"My vote should count!" — Thomas

"All citizens should maintain the same right to select representation, regardless of the place I choose to live." — Cheriene

"1. You tax me. 2. I live in the USA & hold a passport." — Meg

"I live in DC and pay the same federal taxes. I deserve a voice in the US Congress just as much as someone in Virginia or Maryland does." — Ray

"I deserve representation in our federal governing body." — Gregory

"I live in DC." — Jessica

"District taxpayers pay for the right to a vote in Congress." — Denise

"We pay taxes!" — Wesley

"We pay taxes!" — Emily

"It's our right!" — Patrice

"I demand equal representation. I am a US citizen. I want to exercise my rights. I want to change my license plate to Taxation with Representation." — Theodore

"dc RESIDENTS ARE Americans, too." — Kevin

"It's about time." — Marty

"Because I belive in equality." — Karin

"I'm a citizen of the United States in the most important city in the world. There are millions of disadvantaged people living in DC without a voice." — Travis

"DC deserves the right to be represented equally. The citizens need to get their voice heard!" — Saaliha

"Support S. 160 Voting Rights" — Paul

"I want a voice!" — Allison

"I am a DC resident!" — Kirsten

"We are all human and deserve the rights. Isn't that what the Constitution says?" — Erika

"It is crazy that citizens who have fought for our freedom don't have representation in their own govt." — Brian

"We are a citizenry comprised almost 600,000 people. There are states with less people than our city. We are the capital of the free world but have NO say." — Serita R.

"I should be able to call/write my representative for issues that affect me like ever other American." — Andrea

"I pay federal taxes and yet our representative does not get a vote either." — Nisha

"We pay fed taxes and this is our right." — Claudia

"It's been too long. All US citizens deserve the vote NOW!" — Tamana

"I am an American citizen." — Rachel

"I am an American & it is my right!" — Alison

"It's a fundamental American right." — Sara

"I deserve a vote." — Jeffrey

"I have been a DC resident for 21 years." — Reny May

"All of the decision-making happens here so I feel I should have a say in what's happening!" — Jessica

"I'm an American citizen and it should not be that by moving to my nation's capital I lost rights, lost a chance to participation in our democracy." — Rachel

"because I pay national taxes!" — Sarah

"I believe in democracy.Ian" — Sally

"All citizens deserve voting representation in Congress! Pass the DC VRA!" — Ian

"It's democratic" — Anne

"I live in DC and deserve the same privileges." — Shoneh

"I am a tax-paying American citizen. Seems pretty obvious." — Nithya

"I'm an American and a vet." — Thomas

"It's only fair" — John

"I'm an American and it's my constitutional right!" — Eileen A

"Taxation without representation is UNAMERICAN!!" — Sahar

"This is ridiculous!" — Benjamin

"I live in DC" — Marjan

"All Americans deserve Congressional representation." — Elissa

"Every American deerserves representation!" — Cambria

"We don't have one!!!" — Dexter

"I pay taxes!" — Amie L.

"I pay taxes!!" — Laurie

"I deserve voting representation in Congress. I believe in the Constitution." — Katharine

"I am a tax paying citizen of the United States." — Angelica

"I pay taxes & I am a U.S. citizen and I live in the U.S.--oops I live in DC--maybe it's not the US because can't vote for anyone in Congress." — Cecile Kay

"I feel this district has become a state by all rights and standards. Good luck" — W G

"I am tired of living in a fiefdom." — Leslie

"US citizen taxpayers deserve the right to vote." — Peter

"Every municipality deserves representation in our federal government.Tsoghig" — Matthew

"Residents of DC deserve as much representation that the other 50 states take for granted." — Tsoghig

"This is the first time in my life that I haven't had Congressional representation. How can you expect us to live and work here and serve the country without a voice?" — Amelia

"We have over 900,000 people in DC without any representation." — Allison

"It's my right. I pay taxes." — Julie

"I'm a citizen of the U.S." — Melissa

"I am a citzen." — Karen

"I am a citizen & I deserve to be counted." — Karen

"I AM A us CITIZEN BEING DENIED BASIC DEMOCRACY. I AM DISENFRANCHISED. This is disgraceful." — Bonnie

"It's -----fair!" — Aaron

"I pay high DC Taxes!" — Reyna S

"As the mother if a special needs child I deserve a voice & vote in Congress!" — Jamie

"Some people in Congress say it's unconstitutional to give DC a vote; I simply don't understand how it's any less unconstitutional to systematically disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of US citizens." — Michael

"Democracy in the US is not complete without us getting our rights." — Lisa

"because it's absurd that I don't already have it!" — Maureen

"It's only right!" — Alexander

"600,000 people is a lot!" — Eric

"All American deserve the right to vote!" — Natasha

"It is my birthright & by definition as a citizen of the United States" — Phil

"I am a citizen and pay the same taxes as anybody else." — Susan

"We pay taxes. We are citizens. We have the right to vote!" — Naomi

"All citizens of the US deserve a vote." — Anna

"Every cititzen of the United States should have the right to vote if they are paying taxes. Thank you!" — Jan K.

"I pay taxes the same as all citizens" — Melissa

"I should have a say in the decisions of Congress" — Jessica

"I'm a citizen of the US like my fellow citizens in the states & territories. I pay taxes, believe in democracy, and try to participate even though I have no vote." — Paula

"I am an American citizen who pays taxes--deserves a voice in the federal government" — Ilana

"I had to serve on Grand Jury for one year! I have done my part; I deserve to vote." — Leah J

"I am a tax payer and deserve to have voice heard." — Partricia

"As a public school teacher in DC, it's incredibly hard to teach greatness of American representational democracy to students who aren't allowed to take part in it." — Joseph

"It's our right" — Stephanie

"It's my right" — Leslie

"Congress rules my city, therefore, I should have a say in Congress" — Cara

"We pay taxes and serve and die in wars like other US citizens. It's the right thing to do!" — Bené

"I am a DC resident and want my voice to be heard in Congress." — Jillian

"I lived in DC 20 years without a voice in local or national government. In the early 1990s I marched, rallied, contributed, served as chair of Citizens for New Columbia, went to jail and was tried for exercising my first amendment right to petition Congress for redress of this grave injustice in the capital of the world's greatest democracy. It's way past time. DC citizens deserve full statehood rights, and nothing less. This is no less true now that I no longer live in DC (I live in Florida) than it was 20 years ago when we fought for justice. If not now, when?" — Richard

"I am a UNITED STATES CITIZEN,MY FOREPARENTS WERE UNITED STATES CITIZENS I HAVE BEEN PAYING US TAXES SINCE I WAS 18 YEARS OLD.THEREFOERE I AM QUALIFIED TO DEMAND A VOTE." — Chief Three Feathers

"The capital of the most powerful and wealthy country in the world should not deny its citizens the most fundamental right -- to have a full voice in their government." — Shirley

"There is nothing more basically American than being represented in the government. It is why this nation was created, but still some of its citizens are not equally represented under the law. Washington, DC residents have no one voting on how their tax dollars should be spent, and that is not an American democracy." — Leah

"Not having representation is an injustice." — Karin

"With so many CRUCIAL issues on the agenda, I want to weigh in on the national debate. But here I am a DC resident, a ghost of a taxpaying citizen without a voice... who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!" — Marika

"I pay taxes like everyone else in this country and have thoughts on laws being passed, but no representative to turn to who has a vote to cast. I have to tell my friends who live in Maryland or Virginia to voice their opinion with their voting representatives, a very indirect way to participate in our democracy. I have heard people say if we don't like it to move. And to that I say there is a city here with a rich history that is not going away... are we going to continue to deny the residents a right to representation in our Congress? If so, what does that say about us as Americans given DC residents are asking for representation? " — marcia

"All people are entitled for equal representation under the law. Why should residents of DC be denied a voice in government because of where they live? " — Cathleen

"To deny DC residents representation in Congress is to restrict the rights of the ethnic majority in the District. We have no voice or power. It is reminiscent of the Jim Crow Laws." — Toni

"I always had the vote before moving to DC, and I think I should continue to have it now." — edward

"I want to be a full US citizen, not a ward of the US governnment." — Eric

"It's absurd that I don't already have it!" — Leah

"I spent 25 years defending this country in countries across the globe,and when I come home it is ridiclous that I am denied the very thing I fought for. " — Dail

"I want a say in how my tax contribution to the federal budget is spent. " — Louise

"I am a citizen of the United States of America." — Phillip

"Every time I'm asked to write my senator about an issue, I feel powerless!" — Sarah

"It's supposed to be a right." — Joseph

"I live, work, play, volunteer, attend church and pay taxes in DC. I deserve and demand a vote in Congress!" — Allison

"I don't have one!" — alex

"It is justice. " — Nina

"I am a young resident of DC - I study American History, I have scrutinized the Constitution, and I learn of how stongly the US advocates democracy. Yet there place in the US, the place where I live, which has no effective representation of its people in Congress. I have a right to be represented." — Dick

"We can no longer call this great nation a "democracy" while such a large populus residing in it has no democratic representation with no due cause." — Joseph

"Washington DC has a larger population than Wyoming, yet Wyoming has full representation in Congress." — Mahesh

"All people should be represented in Congress. " — Scott

"I BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY FOR ALL. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR THIS ALL MY ADULT LIFE. AS A NATIVE WASHINGTONIAN I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR EQUAL VOTING RIGHTS. IT'S BEEN TOO LONG.REPRESENTATION MUST HAPPEN NOW. " — Chief Three Feathers

"I believe in having a voice in Congress." — Charlene

"I want full representation in Congress." — Kellye

"I spent twenty plus years in the military. I now live at the Armed Forces Retirement Home Washington, and pay taxes in the District" — Esker

"I have served in the Federal government. I have worked on campaigns that elected Representatives and Senators. I soon hope to join the National Guard. Yet, as a DC resident, I have no vote in how my government is run, no Senators or Representatives of my own, no voice in where my country fights and where I might serve." — Kyle

"DC has a greater population than Wyoming, which does have representation in both the House and Senate." — Lauren

"I am angry at having to be left out of debating health care due to my lack of legislative representation. DC has had a Health Care Alliance plan that has covered the uninsured for many years. In the past five years the plan has saved the lives of two of my best friends without driving them into destitution. My experience as a US citizen is as valid as that of someone who lives in New York or Idaho, and I demand the VOTE for life and death issues such as war and health care, just two of many issues that only get decided in the legislature." — Karen Joan

"I believe that the only way to make our communities safer and healthier is to act as citizens rather than spectators. Unfortunately, as DC residents our ability to do so is drastically limited by our lack of representation in Congress. In describing the injuries by the monarchy in Great Britain, the Declaration of Independence states, "He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only." I hope Congress heeds the words of our founders and grants DC residents the fundamental right of representation so we can be active participants in our struggle to make the District - and this country! - a safer, healthier place!" — Natalie

"I was raised in Washington, DC since 1965. I lived in Washington, DC over 30 years before moving to Oxon Hill, MD where my husband and I now reside. As a single mom, prior to marrying my husband, I was able to raise my son in DC until he was 11 years old. I really miss living there. In fact, I plan to move back after I retire. DC has been and always will be my home. I still work in DC. DC should have all the rights of any other state. After all, it is the nation's capitol and should be respected as such. It should not demeaned as if it were some worthless piece of land with no history or meaning to what it stands for. DC has a voice and that voice should be heard. DC has a right to vote and that vote should be counted. Give DC the rights that it has earned." — Vicki

"I want to have a voice in my federal government." — Nolan

"I am the daughter of parents who were born and raised in DC. Both of them have been very concerned that DC does not have a vote, and I feel the same way. I was recently married, and my husband was also raised in DC. We now live in the same house my mom was raised in, so I want DC to have representation so that my two children will have a better place to live." — Onari

"As a life long resident of DC (56 years), I had the best D.C. public school education from the 1950's to the 1970's. This education has allowed me to be a Federal worker for over 30 years. I am not able to do much under the Hach. But I belive that all citzens of D.C. should have the right to vote for our member of Congress (DC is full of Federal workers in unions)." — Margo

"I lived in DC for 13 years. Residents pay taxes and they fight in our wars. It may take an Amendment to the Constitution, but we all should do this because it's RIGHT." — Caroline

"I demand the vote because I grew up pledging allegiance to a country that promised me it was indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. As a District resident, I see every day a deep division between us and the rest of the United States. We do not have the same liberty as other citizens, and justice has been denied to us. Liberty can be defined as having control over our lives – we do not have that, as Congress can and does overrule our City Council. Where is our liberty to select our representatives? Similarly, we are denied equal justice because, unlike other citizens, we are denied the right to elect voting members of the US House of Representatives and two members of the US Senate. Every time I pledged allegiance, I made a promise. Where is the promise made to me?" — Susan

"I want taxation with full representation. I don't want to lie when I write in an address form that DC is a "state." Nor will I move as some outsiders have suggested. I ant to call a Senator that represents me. I want our House Representative to have full voting rights." — Louise W.

"I am not a second-class citizen. We are the people who live and work that keep the District running every day." — Krystina

"The United States isn't just middle America and the States that are outside of the capital. Washingtonians are both active, passionate and directly influencing the fabric of this country's governance. Seems rather mediocre of a system that maintains 1. an electoral college (institutionalized elitism is still alive in 2009? Americans apparently don't see the direct insult to their freedom and their intellect), and 2. removing a very important constituency from the country's voting population. We Washingtonians are both educated and proud. I think the US deserves our votes in order to put its best face forward." — Nicole Elena

"I have loved living in this vibrant, world-class city for the past four years. One thing I appreciate is that DC is very progressive when it comes to same-sex marriage and parenting rights. While my soon-to-be wife and I can enjoy some local protections, we cannot petition Congress to recognize our marriage - or to take action on any other myriad issues that we are passionate about. " — Rebecca

"I moved to DC two years ago from Massachusetts where I was very active in environmental and nuclear disarmament efforts. For 35 years I contacted my Congressperson and both of our excellent Senators quite frequently. My Congressman and both Senators often took positions in line with my thoughts and those of likeminded friends, and were seemingly grateful that we kept them "educated." Now, I am totally disenfranchised! I might as well have moved to Afghanistan or Iraq under Saddam for all the good my lifelong accumulated knowledge and interest in helping the planet do the world now." — Mary Jane

"I work hard not only in my professional life but in my volunteer work to help guarantee the freedom and equality of all people. When I moved to DC over 3 years ago I thought I was moving to the center of the free world, yet now I have less rights than I did in my former state. " — Danielle

"I work to empower people through online grassroots activism to write letters to their Senators and Representatives. But I can't even sign my own petitions because my Representative can't vote for me!" — Amanda

"I am a citizen and a taxpayer as well as a returned Peace Corps Volunteer and a retired Federal worker. I should have voting representative in the House and two senators to represent me when important legislation is considered and when judicial, executive and ambassadorial nominations are considered. I used to be represented when I lived in New York. There is no justification for US citizens who live in DC to be deprived of having representation." — Joanna

"I believe in the equality of all American citizens. I want to be a part of my government. I don't want decisions made for me or about me without my consent. I believe in democracy." — Kathleen

"The capital of the most powerful and wealthy country in the world should not deny its citizens the most fundamental right -- to have a full voice in their government. " — Paul

"I have lived in over 5 different states throughout my life. I chose to stay in DC as a resident a year ago when a summer intership ended and I took a job offer. Never before in my life have I become so involved in a local community and in the political and social issues important to that community. DC has been my home for a year now, and is the first place I've lived where issues important to me have no voice in government. It's a very powerless feeling that can disenfranchise people who might otherwise be motivated to help bring the era of change we need in this country! There are more DC residents than several smaller states--yet they get representation and we do not--and no one seems to have a logical justification for why DC citizens are 'second-class.' I demand the vote because it is my right to have a voice!" — Matthew

"It is my right as an American to have representation with taxation." — michael

"I want a representative that can vote!" — Katherine

"I spend most of my time traveling to some of the poorest, most fragile places in the world to help people establish control over their resources and their futures. Yet as a resident of the capital of the United States, I have no say in our democracy, no control over my resources, no say in my destiny, no voice. The US has a government of the people -- all the people. The residents of DC must represented. " — Chris

"I was born and raised in DC. Lived there for 35 years and, even though I don't live there anymore, DC will always be home. Always. My father was a Federal police officer. My mother, a nurse at Providence--same hospital where I was born. Every memory of my life until 1999 centers around DC. It's unfair to deny DC citizens--my friends--voting representation in Congress. It's unfair when the Federal government uses resident's tax dollars, expects military service, and uses the infrastructure of the city itself for its needs." — Glynis

"I am an American!" — Brian

"We are citizens too!" — Sara

"Every citizen should be represented by a voice and a vote in congress." — Lance

"My father lived in D.C. as a child. He used to roller-skate around the top of the Capitol -- how times have changed. I and my whole family have always been for the D.C. vote. Why? == because it's only right that U.S. citizens have the vote. No matter that it is not a state -- these are U.S. citizens living there, and paying taxes there, fighting in our military, and obeying the laws. It is absolutely unfair and unjust that they not be allowed to vote." — martha j

"It's wrong for ANY citizens in this democratic country to be denied a voice in public policy. " — Sarah

"How can a so-called democratic country promote democracy in the world and at the same time disenfranchise its own citizens from voting representation in Congress? This is injustice. " — Philippe

"I demand the vote in D.C. because at a time when all Americans, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and all other political parties demand the votes to be counted in Iran. We should be just as unset that D.C. voters have the voting rights there as well. We as a society or government, can not continue to say things regarding global democracy and not do well by all the people in The United States of America!! Let's us demostrate that we are really all FREE and FREE to vote in all our districts. Please do not stop until D.C. gets to vote and have that vote count as do all other votes in all the states across all America." — Gus

"All citizens of the USA must be able to vote. This is the way we do things in the USA. It is a scandal that DC residents can not vote in national elections." — Martha W

"For my entire life I have had representatives in Congress and I never contacted them-now I can't! Moving to DC truly speaks to the statement-you don't know what you've got till it's gone. " — Jennifer

"I live; work; and pay taxes in our nation's capital. It goes against what we stand for when citizens of the capital don't have the same rights as citizens in the rest of the country. I also want our representation in Congress to be equal to the rest of the country. " — Felicia

"I am a 64 year old Amtrak conductor living in Washington, DC (aka "Chocolate City", but that is rapidly changing). I am severely penalized by "taxation without representation" because I have no one in Congress to write to express my views on transportation or any other issue that concerns me. I've got the "Amtrak Blues" because politicians fron Alabama, Wyoming, Alaska determine the quality of life in the nation's Captial where I am taxed and axed. To make matters worse I probably pay more Federal taxes than most politicians who control DC, but I have no voice or voting rights...and that hurts me deeply. I am convinced that disenfranchisement will eventually be eliminated as more highly skilled and educated whites move into this rapidly gentrifying city...but in my life time? " — Samuel

"Voting in the affairs of one’s native country is an inalienable right. “Inalienable” means something like innate, or inherent, or intrinsic. One cannot sell it nor give it away, and no one can take it away. So it really is irrelevant whether someone would like to trade voting rights for the absence of taxation: it can't be done. Whether taxed or not, DC denizens HAVE an inalienable right to vote. It is innate, inherent, intrinsic to their unarguable identity: citizens of the nation, part of the posterity of the original colonists. It is the OTHER citizens of the nation who must at some point come to respect and recognize that inherent right of their fellow citizens in DC, stemming from their equal membership in the nation." — Gerard

"Legitimate power depends on the consent of the governed. The opportunity to grant or withhold such consent (via regular free and fair elections) has been denied residents of the District for over 200 years. That omission of any opportunity to grant or withold consent, of any opportunity to be counted when consensus is sought, undermines the justice and even the very legitimacy of the Congress, the Courts and the Constitution itself in exercising power over the District." — Gerard

"Everyone deserves a voice in Congress." — Joy

"Washington DC is "Governed Without Consent", in violation of the fundamental first principles upon which this nation was founded, as stated in the Virginia Bill of Rights (esp. 6 and 7), and re-stated in the Declaration of Independence." — Gerard

"If it's good enough for Virginia, it's good enough for DC. Virginia Bill of Rights June 12, 1776 "6. ...elections of members to serve as representatives of the people, in assembly, ought to be free; and that all men, having sufficient evidence of permanent common interest with, and attachment to, the community, have the right of suffrage, and cannot be taxed or deprived of their property for publick uses without their own consent, or that of their representatives so elected, nor bound by any law to which they have not, in like manner, assented, for the publick good."" — Gerard

"I moved to DC from California 2 years ago to begin working as a rabbi at Temple Sinai in NW. On the day I registered for my DC driver's license and voter card, I sat in the DMV and cried. I had not anticipated how diminished I would feel in losing rights I had always taken for granted as a Californian-- full representation and engaged citizenship. " — Jessica

"DC was orginally supposed to be a government working city only. Then as time went by people started to live withing the District of Columbia. Over the years it has turned into a viable city and not just for government work any longer. The people that now live in the District and those in the future to make their homes here are being denied the right that every other American has. We should not be penalized for the District turning into a city just as anyother city is. We live here in America and we pay taxe and abide by the laws of the USA so we should be able to have the vote just as any other American has." — Samuel

"No more Taxation with Representation!" — Daniel

"As a youth vote organizer and grassroots political campaigner for years, I have worked to empower people to vote and inspire them to see the value of casting their ballot. As a DC resident, I know what it is like to not have a voice in critical parts of our democracy. We've had our laws overturned, our budget cut, and our share of government funding left up to representatives who may care about our city, but who we did not elect and cannot hold accountable for their decisions. On all my campaigns I have been able to use my lack of voting rights as a motivation for both myself and for the young people I have worked to organize. But it is time for us Washingtonians to have the same rights as citizens as the rest of our country - it is time for us to feel empowered, and to have the opportunity to pick our representatives, and put them to work on behalf of our great city." — William

"I deserve representation in Congress just as much as the rest of my fellow Americans. It's time we got the vote." — Collin

"When I happily moved to DC from the great state of Ohio, I held on to my Ohio voting rights as long as a I could. When I finally switched my voting registration to the District, I felt a tremendous loss. " — Katie

"The times are too dire not to have this right guaranteed all citizens." — John

"I might not return to DC otherwise after graduate school. I lived in DC for six years before leaving for school, and it's hard to imagine returning to raise a family if I don't even have a voting member of the congress or the senate to represent the needs of DC families. " — Sarah

"I don't live in DC, and it's not about me - fairness just demands certain things of our institutions. Good luck with your initiative. " — Dave

"LETS BE FAIR AND HONEST TO ONE ANOTHER" — EVA

"it is getting older and older and more frustrating to get emails from politicians and causes I support asking me to write to my Senators .. and I can't because I have none and I'm tired of not being able to have anyone in the Senate listen to me on issues of great importance." — Joan

"when I moved to DC in '78 from Ohio, no one explained to me that I'd be losing representation in Congress. I demand the vote because when I tell people around the world (in my work-travels) that we don't have the rights of other US citizens, they are shocked and stunned and horrified. I demand the vote because my husband & I have chosen to STAY in DC and want rights we enjoyed elsewhere. I demand the vote because we pay high taxes and get bupkes for it. I demand the vote bec. one of the first people I met when I moved to DC was (the late) Jo Butler -- she worked hard for us to have rights - we deserve them. And I demand the vote because it's past time." — Joan

"I have lived in Washington my whole life. I'm registered to vote here, and I plan to live here for many years to come. So when people suggest I should just move to get a vote in Congress, I say to them that I shouldn't have to. For a nation that prides itself on the concept of "one man, one vote," it's disturbing that some believe we aren't entitled to that simply because of something written before Washington was the city it is today. I refuse to accept that this would not be democratic - the way things are now are not democratic." — Zachary

"I moved to D.C. a year ago for a fellowship. When my position ends in the next month, I will no longer have health insurance. I will have to risk it while I search for a job. In this job market, my chances are tough. And then I read the news, and hear about the health care debates. I hear about the bills going before Congress that could change my circumstances and help me until I get get a job, or even help me get a job. But because I live in D.C. I don't get a vote. There is no one there to speak up for me in Congress and say we need to change health care and we need it now. Real people need it, not just health care but a voice. That's what this country was founded on. Giving everyman a voice. D.C. residents don't have that. " — Elizabeth

"I AM AN AMERICAN!!!" — Erin

"My family fought and died for the right to self-determination on Lexington Green on April 19th, 1775. Still today, 234 years later, there are hundreds of thousands of Americans denied that very right." — Will

"...there is simply no excuse for DC not to have a congressional voting voice. If the U.S. Constitution needs to be changed by one word: fine. Let's get it done. We are way overdue." — Michael

"When I moved here 22 years ago, I was atonished by this...That was 22 years ago! I regulary write The Indiana delegation about this injustice." — David

"I was raised in DC and Have lived here all of my 65 years, we pay almost higher property taxes that the state of California, Its time that we as DC citizens have our money work for us." — Marian

"I demand the vote because it's the bedrock principle of democracy. Hiding behind some obscure language in the Constitution or using political games on Capitol Hill is no excuse for disenfranchising more than 500,000 people! The U.S. has no moral standing to push for democracy around the world when the citizens of the nation's capital don't have a voice in their own government. No taxation without representation is more than a license plate slogan. President Obama needs to end his silence and live up to his promises and support the DC vote! " — Brendan

"every other state in this Union have a chance to shape and mold legislation to benefit their communities. If the United States truly believes in the promises it boost...D.C. will be given that right as well. " — Timothy

"I work for an international democracy and human rights organization in Washington, yet I have no voice of my own. Daily, I see the negative impact that being disenfranchised has on DC's children, its infrastructure and its future. It's shameful that the United States is the only democracy that denies the citizens of its capital their political rights. " — Laura

"I want equality! I want the same voting rights that the majority of Americans have, but can't just because D.C. is not a state. I've lived here my entire life, and D.C.'s citizens are unjustly subject to being without a voting representative in Congress. I admire Eleanor Holmes Norton's fight for DC's vote. It's been a long struggle and I hope we succeed. " — Anna

"The people who live in DC are citizens of this country who are affected by all the laws implemented by Congress. It is a sad commentary on our voting laws that DC citizens have no opportunity to vote in national elections." — Deanna

"As a citizen of the United States who has lived in several states, the hardest part of coming to live in DC was become less of a citizen. Knowing that because I and the 600,000+ people I call neighbor are viewed as less than because of where we lived. I had representation and had my voice heard in New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania, but here in DC, I'm a second class citizen. I tried to notify a senator from another state to discuss an issue of importance to me and I was told that I had to contact the senator that represents me to get my voice heard. There is no senator to represent my voice. I demand the vote because I care about my neighborhood, my community, my country and everyone's voice should be heard." — Dawn

"Everywhere I have lived before DC I have been in frequent contact with my Representative and Senators. By moving here I have been reduced to less than full citizenship, though my obligations to the government are unchanged. If people in the states were to be deprived of their representation as I have, there would be an uprising." — Peter

"My DC is a phenomenal community made up of a diverse variety of ethnicities, ideas and economic backgrounds; and yet, our lack of voting rights directly contributes to the stagnation of all that is good in our city. By not having a vote in congress we are unable to share the thoughts and wishes of over a half million DC residents, most of which are already dispaired by economic and social hardships. It would be easy for me, as a member of DC's professional working class, to leave DC and gain a vote in VA or MD, but I choose to reside in our nation's capital and fight for the right of my disenfranchised neighbors for whom this is not an option." — kaitlin

"I no longer live in DC, but I did for almost 25 years. I paid significant taxes to the federal government and had no voting representative in Congress. This was wrong. I have written the members of Congress here in the state of Maine and hope, since they can vote, they will correct this injustice. Americans in the District of Columbia must have the vote. " — Debora

"I resided in DC from 1964 through 1975. I cast my first vote in the first presidential election ever permitted to DC, 1972. I watched DC get ruled by hostile members of Congress, some of them from DC suburbs with interests quite contrary to DC's best interests. Bottom line: taxation without representation is illegitimate, as was proved in 1776. DC vote is so overdue!" — Lewis

"My husband and I are due to have our first child in three weeks. Why do we have any less of a right to have a say in the country in which she will grow up? We deserve the same representational voice on the economy, education, the environment, and national security as those in any of the 50 states. Not just us--our baby deserves that." — Cynthia

"I think it would be a good idea to extend this campaign to other parts of the country. One thing that prevents us from having the vote is that many people in the country are unaware of our predicament. Otherwise, the campaign is spot on. I want to see these ads replace the "Come Celebrate Virginia" posters splayed across the city. Thanks, Cinar" — Cinar

"Every citizen of America deserves a vote in Congress -- period." — Russ

"I am an American. That is my given right as an outstanding citizen, one who pays taxes and abides by the law. I have the right to be heard through representation, yet I do not have a voice." — Arlene

"freedom means you can directly influence the laws under which you live. That is the essence of American democracy. And yet we deny full democracy to Americans living in our capital. This is a national disgrace, and we must end it!" — Ilir

"because of the taxes we pay." — Antonio

"I grew up in DC and wanted to lobby my congresspeople on issues of public school education as a student at Woodrow Wilson. I could go to the Mall every week and protest, but I didn't have the vote." — Abby

"I came to Washington, DC 5 years ago to attend Howard University. No one ever mentioned having to give up my voting rights!" — Erica

"I am an American and a Washingtonian. As an american citizen my vote should count. Too many of my sisters and brothers died for this fundamental civic right...Please tell me why I cannot vote? Why my voice does not count?" — Pascale-Emmanuelle

"It's a matter of fundamental fairness, justice and democracy.We deserve what every other American has; a voice, a vote and an opportunity to particpate in a process that who gets what, when and where! " — Eugene

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