Since 2002, Zherka has been executive director of D.C. Vote, a group that lobbies for the District’s 600,000 residents to have a vote in Congress. On the offensive the past two years with a Democrat in the White House and the party leading Congress, Zherka and D.C. Vote are now preparing to play defense against an incoming Republican House.
Are you originally from D.C.?
No, my family came here from Albania in 1968 when I was 2 1/2 years old. I then grew up in New York City — the Bronx. I think my upbringing and perspective as a political refugee informs my passion about getting D.C. voting rights. America is a great country, it’s a great democracy, except here in our nation’s capital where the residents who pay federal taxes aren’t given a voice.
