DC Statehood: Does It Matter? Living Room Conversation

Before today, how much did you know about D.C. residents' lack of congressional representation? What, if anything, surprised you about learning this? If you are a D.C. resident, what do you wish others outside of D.C. knew?

What does U.S. citizenship and voting mean to you?

The upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence offers an opportunity to reflect on our founding principles. How does D.C.'s current status align or conflict with the ideals of "forming a more perfect union"?

What concerns or hopes do you have around D.C. becoming a state? What would statehood change for its residents and for the country?

Thursday, June 18th, 12:30-2pm PT

Registration is free.

Conversation Intro:

"Our nation had its start with a declaration of independence from taxation without representation and a statement of unalienable rights. Across the globe, citizens of national capitals make their voices heard through voting and engaging in their nation’s political system. Americans are often surprised to learn that Washington D.C. is the only national capital where residents are denied that right and privilege. How does this reflect on U.S. democracy? American values? Voting rights have evolved significantly over the past 250 years. What lessons from this history can guide our approach to voting access today? This conversation is an opportunity to explore D.C. Statehood and the irony of “no taxation without representation” affecting nearly 1M people in the heart of our democracy."

Follow this link to download the full conversation guide: https://livingroomconversations.org/download/d-c-statehood-does-it-matter-how-would-it-work/

Note: You will need to create or login to a free LRC account to download.

Please contact the League of Women Voters of DC atstatehood@lwvdc.org if you would like to have a League member serve as conversation facilitator or resource person on this topic.