CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR DISTRICT PROPOSED BY REP. DYER OF MISSOURI
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 22, 1926, The Evening Star reports "a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for national representation for the people of the District of Columbia was introduced today by Rep. (Leonidas C.) Dyer*."
The proposal, introduced by the Republican congressman from Missouri, states that...
"The Congress shall have the power to admit to the status of citizens of a State the residents of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States...for the purpose of representation in Congress and among the electors of President and Vice-President."
JFK+50 NOTE
Citizens residing in the District of Columbia were granted the right to vote in presidential elections by the 23rd amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1961. The District, however, does not have representation in Congress. A reminder of that fact is evidenced on residents license plates.
*Leonidas C. Dyer (1871-1957) was born in Warrenton, Missouri and attended Central Wesleyan College & Washington University (St. Louis). LCD served in the US Army during the Spanish-American War & represented Missouri in the US House of Representatives 1911-1933. He championed civil rights & sponsored an anti-lynching bill in 1926.
SOURCES
"23rd Amendment Ratified (1961): Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Rights," League of Women Voters of Texas, www.lwvtx.clubexpress.com/
"Vote For District Proposed In House," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 22, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
