Congress: Support D.C. Statehood Now

Error message

Our message delivery system is currently undergoing routine maintenance. Please try again in a few minutes.

Washington, D.C. is the only national capital in the democratic world whose citizens do not have equal voting and representation rights. Over 700,000 residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, pay federal and local taxes but are denied fundamental civil rights due to the lack of statehood. That is why the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, S. 51, is so critical – a constitutionally sound bill to establish statehood for D.C. that has a real chance of advancing in Congress right now.

The denial of equal representation for District residents is rooted in racism. Congress took away D.C.’s right to self-govern right after the Civil War, just as its many new Black voters started to exercise their political power and run for office in D.C. This lack of statehood rights continues to harm residents to this day. S. 51 can help correct these historic wrongs, but it will take all of us – especially those who have representation – to ensure it succeeds. This bill has already passed in the House and it's now up to the Senate to follow suit: Send a message to your senators urging support of S. 51.

Message Recipients:

Your U.S. Senators

[The Form Label field is hidden on ACLU message action forms]

Your Message

Subject Support S. 51 and D.C. Statehood

As your constituent, I'm urging you to help correct a historic wrong by supporting the Washington, D.C. Admission Act – S. 51 – which is a constitutionally sound bill that would grant D.C. statehood and finally secure its residents full voting and representation rights.

Message Body

The fact is, D.C. is the only national capital in the democratic world whose citizens do not have equal voting and representation rights – and that is a reality that is rooted in racism. Congress took away D.C.’s right to self-govern right after the Civil War, just as its many new Black voters started to exercise their political power and run for office in D.C.

Today, over 700,000 residents of D.C. – the majority of whom are Black and Brown – are still being denied those rights despite paying both local and federal taxes. Over the past few years alone, D.C. residents did not have full representation when it came to key life-or-death decisions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, protests in D.C. after the killing of George Floyd, and the insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol building.

By granting D.C. statehood through an act of Congress, S. 51 is a constitutional, valid exercise of congressional power to correct these ongoing injustices and allow District residents to fully participate and be represented in our national government.

People who live in D.C. overwhelmingly want statehood but must rely on those who do have representation in Congress to take action. That is why I'm reaching out to you today asking you to do all you can to champion this fight.

If you believe in democracy and equal rights, then you can and must support D.C. statehood. Please vote yes on S. 51 when it comes to the floor.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Your Information

All data you enter here will be shared with the message recipient along with your message, per our privacy statement.

Salutation *

(required by some officials)

ABOUT HONORIFIC TITLES

Many public officials use "web mail forms" that this system will send your message to, so you don't have to visit their web sites to communicate with them. The systems that some of these officials use requires that the honorific field be used (Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc.).

Unfortunately, we do not have control of which honorific titles are presented as options. We must adhere to what the officials are using in order for your message to be delivered.

Alternate Salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone *

Show my name in a list of action takers.

Sign me up for ACLU emails so I can stay informed and take action to protect people's rights.

I agree to receive calls and texts (including automated recurring text messages) from the ACLU and its state affiliates at the number I provided above about ways to take action and support the ACLU organizations. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to quit. Privacy Statement

Leave this field blank

Congress: Support D.C. Statehood Now

Error message

Recent participants