When Congress first convened in the new District of Columbia in 1800, it voted to assume “exclusive jurisdiction”—that is, legislative control over the new seat of government—a right given to Congress in the Constitution. The fight for voting rights and self-determination, including campaigns for home rule and statehood, have been a part of local history ever since. Explore the resources below for insight on the evolution of local political life in Washington, D.C., and test your knowledge through the online interactives.
This educational program is supported by a grant from the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia.
Voting Rights Resources
THE CASE FOR STATEHOOD
As part of our Context for Today program series, historian George Derek Musgrove and journalist Bob Levey came together for an online conversation on the history of statehood and its current prospects. On this page you’ll also find peer-reviewed articles from Washington History journal; books; journalism; and additional resources including archival collections relating to case for DC Statehood.
VOTING VOCAB
(9th grade – adults)
Students can brush up on key terms to know when studying the history of voting rights of residents of the District of Columbia, through a matching activity and suggested reading.
For best results, use Chrome as your browser.
DC VOTING RIGHTS QUIZ
(9th grade – adults)
Students can test themselves on their knowledge of major elements of D.C. voting rights history through this eight-question quiz designed spark interest in many facets of local political history.
For best results, use Chrome as your browser.
VOTING RIGHTS TIMELINE SCRAMBLE
(9th grade – adults)
Students can take a walk back in time to learn about 13 major events in the District’s unique political history and how geography and politics determine who enjoys the rights of U.S. citizenship, and who remains disenfranchised.
For best results, use Chrome as your browser.
Teaching DC Voting Rights
Youth Voters: Tools and Tactics for the Next Generation
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was enacted, adding one key concept to the Constitution—that no one could be denied the right to vote on account of sex.
In August 2020, the WNDC Educational Foundation and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and their partners, including the DC History Center, offered an online series to recognize the centennial of the 19th amendment milestone and the continuing struggle to gain suffrage for all women.
In this session, educators and activists discuss online tools and tactics that they are using to increase youth civic engagement and help youth shape the future of their country–tools that can also be used by activists to reach and engage other under-represented groups. The DC History Center offered a perspective on how to teach the history of the continuing struggle for the full rights of citizens for DC residents.
The entire session is available on YouTube; DC voting rights are discussed beginning at 33:00.