Statement as Local Resident Voting Rights Act Becomes Law. Again.
STATEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau released the following statement on the end of the Congressional review period for the Local Resident Voting Rights Act. While the D.C. Council considered the legislation enacted as of Feb. 23, the U.S. Senate counted the 30-day review period differently, saying the review period would end today, March 14.
Under the new law, introduced by Nadeau and approved by the Council, 12-0-1, permanent residents will be able to vote in elections for Mayor, DC Council, State Board of Education, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and D.C. Attorney General. They will not be able to vote in federal elections.
“Despite House Republican attempts to interfere, today the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act became law. Our neighbors – who pay taxes, attend our schools, and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities – will now also have a say in who represents them in our local government.
“Our disenfranchisement is on full display right now. We’re expanding voting rights here while our autonomy is under attack. It’s a pretty spectacular juxtaposition.
“D.C. residents deserve full autonomy and representation. We are not allowed to send a voting representative to Congress, but Congress thinks it’s OK to make decisions for our city that they cannot and would not make for any other city or state in the country. Congress’ interference must not be tolerated, and the past few weeks have made clearer than ever why D.C. must become the 51st state.”