D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Friday called for a citywide vote in November to make the nation’s capital the 51st state, on the city’s holiday commemorating the freedom of more than 3,100 slaves.
“I propose we take another bold step toward democracy in the District of Columbia,” Bowser said at a breakfast marking Emancipation Day Friday, according to the Washington Post.
“It’s going to require that we send a bold message to the Congress and the rest of the country, that we demand not only a vote in the House of Representatives. We demand two senators — the full rights of citizenship in this great nation,” the first-term mayor said.
Bowser said it is injustice that city residents are unable to vote for a senator just because of their zip code.
“Some in Congress say … the reason why D.C. residents can’t have full access to the franchise is because of too many Democrats,” Bowser said. “Can you believe that? Do you think access to democracy is a Democratic or Republican issue? No, it’s an American issue.”
