The District of Columbia (D.C.) has been a member of the UNPO since 2015, representing approximately 658,000 voteless U.S. citizens. As a federal entity not belonging to any state, D.C. residents lack voting representation in Congress and have limited self-governance, preventing them from fully influencing national legislation. This exclusion has resulted in the repeal of key public health programs and the weakening of firearm safety laws. Granting D.C. full representation is crucial for upholding democratic principles, correcting long-standing inequities, and empowering its residents to participate fully in the democratic process, setting a precedent for other marginalized communities.

The UNPO secretariat advocates for the rights of D.C. residents as a whole and collaborates with various civil society organizations and groups from D.C. However, the primary organization representing D.C. within the UNPO, with voting rights at the General Assembly, is the D.C. Statehood Congressional Delegation, working alongside the New Columbia Statehood Commission. You can read more about the D.C. Statehood Congressional Delegation here.

Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, diverse city with a rich cultural scene influenced by its role as the U.S. capital and its eclectic population. The city’s neighborhoods, museums, and cultural institutions reflect its unique heritage and the diverse backgrounds of its residents. Despite being at the heart of American political power, D.C. residents have developed a distinct identity shaped by their shared struggle for representation and equality.

The treatment of D.C. residents has been shaped by racial biases and political considerations. The majority Black population, coupled with the city’s strong Democratic leanings, has contributed to a long history of disenfranchisement and limited self-governance. This issue remains a contentious point in American politics, reflecting broader struggles over race, representation, and power.

The disenfranchisement of D.C. citizens is rooted in historical, political, and constitutional factors. Established in 1790 as the seat of the U.S. federal government, Washington, D.C. has played a central role in the nation’s history. Despite its importance, D.C. residents have historically been denied full political representation. While they pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and contribute to the national economy, they lack voting representation in Congress. This has made Washington, D.C. an unrepresented territory within a nation that prides itself on democratic values.

The struggle for equal representation has been a defining issue for D.C. residents, who have long advocated for statehood and full voting rights. In recent years, this movement has gained momentum, with growing public support for D.C. to become the 51st state. This would grant residents the same rights and representation as citizens in the 50 states, addressing a historical injustice that has left them without a voice in the legislative process.

Significant milestones in this struggle include the 23rd Amendment (1961), which granted D.C. residents the right to participate in presidential elections, and the Home Rule Act (1973), which restored some local self-governance. However, Congress retains ultimate authority over the city, meaning D.C. residents still lack full control over their local governance.

Despite some progress, D.C. residents still lack full voting representation in Congress. The district is represented in the House of Representatives by a non-voting delegate who can participate in debates and committees but cannot vote on the House floor. Regarding the Senate, D.C. also has no representation.

Over 658,000 D.C. residents remain voteless, with their elected representatives, known as Shadow Senators and Representatives, unable to vote on legislation or participate in Senate debates. Despite advocacy efforts, including the use of the “No Taxation Without Representation” slogan, D.C. residents continue to be excluded from full participation in the democratic process. A 2015 poll by The Washington Post found that 67% of D.C. residents, including 71% of registered voters, support statehood—a significant increase from previous years. The current statehood plan envisions creating New Columbia, separating the federal core from residential and non-governmental areas, which would require congressional approval.

Granting full representation and participation rights to D.C. residents is essential for ensuring democratic principles and justice. Recognizing D.C. as a state would empower its residents to fully contribute to and benefit from the democratic process, while setting a precedent for addressing similar issues of representation and equality in other marginalized communities.