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 WIN TER 20

 www.dcvoteVoice

Kevin Kiger and Ilir Zherka share a mome

 with their partners from LCCR at COD 20

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton joins Navy vet

Sam McCoy and other DC vets at a Senate

Daniel Solomon, Bruce Spiva, Aviva Kempne

Mark Schaeffer at an IPS reception honoring D

 American University students endure a ra

afternoon to collect petitions on U Stree

 Aviva Kempner and Eli Zigas transform into A

colonials at the DC Vote Tea Party on the Pot

 Working to End Taxation Without Representation in the Nation’s Capit

From the Executive DirectorDear Friend:

At DC Vote, it is our business to make the impossible a reality. We work to

right one of our nation’s oldest wrongs, and we do so in the face of partisan

wrangling, misinformation and ignorance. We take on the impossible every day.

The Senate filibuster of the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) on

September 18, 2007, was a terrible affront to the very democratic values

that our country champions abroad. The hypocrisy of a small group of 

Senators may have delayed us in our mission, but our fight has just begun.These past six months have shown a mere glimpse of what can be achieved

when the people of a diverse community come together around a worthy goal.

As a united community, we have the power to challenge the status quo and

create our own reality, one where tax-paying Americans have a say in their

government. We have the means to create a community where every voice

is heard, and American values ring true for all citizens. Washington, DC, will

be the vibrant, enfranchised capital city that we all know it can be. And it

starts with us.

Since the Senate vote, we have kicked our advocacy and outreach efforts

into high gear. From rallies on Capitol Hill to tea parties on the Potomac,

we have spared no opportunity to ask the tough questions and inform people

here and around the country about Taxation Without Representation in the

nation’s capital.

As we continue to work for change here in the District, we are also expanding

our efforts in the states with a renewed public awareness campaign. The

following pages demonstrate the incredible achievements of our vibrant

voting rights community, and the new horizons that we are moving toward.

DC Vote greatly appreciates the commitment of our thousands of supporters

and their tireless dedication to positive change. Join with us and lend your

voice to a growing rally cry: End Taxation Without Representation!

Let’s make this a very Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Ilir Zherka

Executive Director

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Voice  WINTER 2007 • www.dcvote.org 

Kathy and Al Schmidt join other veterans

on Capitol Hill to end the filibuster.

Sponsors of the DC Vote bill hold a

press conference after the Senate vote.

 Young Suffragist Hana Zherka sings for

Senators with DC Vote supporters.

Supporters cheer for an end to Taxation Without

Representation at the Georgetown waterfront.

DC Voting Rights ActComes to the Senate Floor

Strong Vote Sign of

Victory to Come

On September 18, in a procedural vote

on the DC House Voting Rights Act

(S. 1257), a small group of Senators

blocked the bill from being debated with

a vote of 57 yeas–42 neas. Sixty votes

are required to overcome their filibuster.

Unconscionably, a minority led by 

Senators Mitch McConnell and Trent Lott

prevented the majority from conducting

an up-or-down vote on the bill.

While DC Vote is disappointed that

these Senators are standing in the

way of democracy for the nearly

600,000 tax-paying Americans living in

Washington, DC, we remain encouraged

that the Senate will pass this bill during

this Congress.

For the first time in 30 years, we secured

the vote of a strong majority of Senators

in favor of DC voting rights. Eight

Republicans supported the bill and only 

one Democrat opposed it.

DC Vote has refocused its outreach and

advocacy efforts in response to the

September vote and will continue to work

towards ending the filibuster before the

end of the 110th Congress.

Ilir Zherka declares DC Vote’s New Year strategy

 with Del. Norton and city officials.Hippo Eli Zigas milks the movement with a supporter.

Hippos FollowHypocritesIn the spirit of Halloween,

DC Vote sent hippo-clad activists

to events in October that included

appearances from Senators

(and presidential candidates)

Sam Brownback and John McCain.

Volunteers made sure that the

Senators, their staff and the media

didn’t leave the events without

hearing chants of “Stop the Hippo-

crisy, We Want Democracy!”

“A majority of Senators saw the wisdom

of granting full voting representation in

the House for District residents. We’re

knocking on the door. We’ll be back.”

— Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), Co-Sponsor

of the DC House Voting Rights Act

“We will not give up. We will not stand

by while our young men and women are

fighting to ensure that the people of 

Baghdad can vote, while the people of

DC remain disenfranchised.... Democracy

has not been dissuaded today—just

delayed. This is the right thing to do.”

— Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD),

House Majority Leader

“Too many have done heroic work to do

anything now but keep on and rejoice th

we came so close and use the momentu

that is still with us, to go the rest of the

way.” — Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton

(D-DC), Co-Sponsor of the DC House

Voting Rights Act.

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Voic3  Working to End Taxation Without Representation in the Nation’s Capital

Outreach Director Eugene Kinlow delive

crates of tea to warm supporters.

The Revolution is StillBrewing on the Potomac

Voting rights activists joined local elected

officials on Sunday, December 16 for the

DC Vote Tea Party on the Potomac River.

Gathering at Georgetown Waterfront Park

on a wintry afternoon, nearly 100

supporters commemorated the 234th

anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with

songs, chants and a symbolic reenact of 

the famous revolutionary demonstration.

DC Vote activists were joined by

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, DCcouncilmember Carol Schwartz, and the

DC shadow delegation. Warmed by 

orange pekoe tea and high spirits, these

tax-paying Americans sent a clear

message to President Bush and

Congress: Give Us the Vote Now!

More than 100 activists turn out to

commemorate the Boston Tea Party with DC

DC Young Suffragists make their voices heard a

Mayor Fenty, Congressman Davis and Ilir Zh

discuss voting rights at COD 2007.

DC Veterans Rallyfor Voting Rights

District veterans, Congresswoman

Eleanor Holmes Norton and other

DC Vote supporters came together for

a noontime rally on Wednesday

November 7 to demand that Senators

honor the sacrifices of our men and

women in uniform and bring democracy 

to Washington, DC!

The vets held a press conference with

local media, offering their own

perspectives on disenfranchisementbefore demonstrating at the Dirksen

Senate Office Building. They waived signs

and chanted “We Demand the Vote,”

garnering the attention of tourists and

staffers before they met with Senate

offices to hand out materials in person.

These honored Americans deserve the

vote, and they made sure their voices

were heard!

DC Vote interns Molly McArdle and Josh Bumpus

demand the vote with Lateefah Mims.

 Andy Shallal and Lynn Faught

call for an end to the “hippo-crisy”.

Public Awareness Campaign Goes NationalAs part of our public awareness campaign, DC Vote is launching an aggressive

strategy to inform Americans across the country about DC’s denial of full

voting representation. In the coming months, we will be sending our message

out and traveling to a number of target states where members of the Senate

are filibustering the DC House Voting Rights Act, including Oregon, Montanaand Virginia. We have already begun our advocacy efforts in Montana with the

launch of our online constituent tool kit—that enables residents to reach out

to Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) in support of DC Voting Rights. We will also

continue to work closely with our coalition partners to identify residents in our

target states to work with us to send the message to end the filibuster of the

DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257).

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Voice  WINTER 2007 • www.dcvote.org 

‘Democracy Rising’ atChampions of Democracy 2007

DC Vote held its 2007 Champions of Democracy Awards

Reception on the evening of Tuesday, October 23 at the

National Music Center at the Carnegie Library Building.

Mayor Adrian Fenty, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, theDC City Council, members of the business community and

other esteemed guests came together to honor a group of 

men and women that represents the very best of dedication

to democracy and American excellence.

U.S. Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA)A longtime champion of DC voting rights, Congressman

Tom Davis is the original sponsor of the DC House Voting

Rights Act of 2007. Working with Delegate Eleanor Holmes

Norton, DC Vote and the DC voting rights coalition, he has

been instrumental in pushing the bill through the House of 

Representatives and continues to do so now in the Senate.

Royal Kennedy Rodgers

& Johnathan RodgersRoyal Kennedy Rodgers has supported DC Vote from its

beginning. As a volunteer, she worked diligently to ensure

that students learned about DC voting rights and the

important role that voting plays in America’s democracy.

Johnathan Rodgers is president and CEO of TV One, the

entertainment and lifestyle cable television network targeting

adult African-American viewers. Through TV One, Johnathan

has educated millions of Americans about Congress’ denial

of voting representation for DC residents.

The Honorable Hilda Mason

& Charles MasonHilda and Charles Mason are known throughout the city for

their ceaseless support for progressive issues, including

human and civil rights, socio-economic opportunity, quality 

education, affordable and accessible housing, public

transportation, and health care, and statehood for the District

of Columbia. They left an indelible mark on our community 

during their lifetimes, and they will be sorely missed.

Thank you to all who lent their warmth to this incredible event!

Clockwise:

Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) discusses

the voting rights movement.

The late Hilda Mason accepts

her award for a life of

outstanding commitment.

Royal Kennedy Rodgers delivers

remarks to an esteemed audience.

Bruce Spiva and Ilir Zherka enjoy the evenin

 with Champions of Democracy honorees.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton presents

Rep. Tom Davis with his award.Zherka calls on “hippo-crites” to end the Senate filibuster.

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Voic5  Working to End Taxation Without Representation in the Nation’s Capital

DC Vote is deeply grateful to our many supporters for theirgenerosity throughout the year and especially to the following sponsors

of our Champions of Democracy 2007 Awards Reception.

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Voice  WINTER 2007 • www.dcvote.org 

New Students Take FirstLesson in DC Voting Rights

The ‘Discover DC’ and ‘Freshman Experience’ programs

at American University teamed up with DC Vote in August

to educate incoming freshmen about disenfranchisement

in Washington, DC. Summer interns Molly McArdle andJosh Bumpus met with groups of 20-30 college students

fresh from the states to give them their first lesson on life

in the District.

Over three days, students collected petition signatures from

residents on U Street and canvassed local businesses with

literature. Their final lesson was on Capitol Hill, where they 

demonstrated their knowledge of DC voting rights by

meeting with their Senators to advocate for passage of the

DC House Voting Rights Act. Congratulations to all of these

new Washingtonians on a grade well-earned!

DC Vote Mingles atCommunity Festivals

As summer turned to fall, voting rights advocates continued

to engage the local community at neighborhood festivals.

Adams Morgan Day and Fiesta DC on Mt. Pleasant Street

brought out thousands of festival-goers to experience the

flavor of these vibrant communities with food and fun.

DC Vote staff and volunteers greeted passersby withinformation at tables full of stickers and postcards.

New members joined the organization, and many old friends

stopped by to offer encouragement.

Thanks to all our volunteers who donated their time at these

events! We’ll see you next year!

District Residents Stakes Claimto Democracy at Conference

DC Vote and FairVote cosponsored the Claim Democracy 

conference from November 9th–11th. Executive Director

Ilir Zherka and Outreach Director Eugene Kinlow took the

opportunity to advocate for DC voting rights with national,state and local leaders from around the country. Volunteers

also tabled with pamphlets and materials to get the word

out about disenfranchisement.

It’s All in the Family!

This fall, DC Vote welcomed some fierce additions to our sta

Jaline Quinto—Communications Associate

Jaline Quinto is originally from the other Washington—thestate. Having worked on both political campaigns and capit

campaigns, she will be honing DC Vote’s messages and

helping us spread the word about DC voting rights across

the country.

Nell Schaffer—Outreach AssociateAs a DC Vote volunteer, Nell co-founded Students for

DC Vote and served as one of its first national campus

coordinators. Now a full-time Outreach Associate, Nell plan

to disseminate the DC Vote Lesson Plan, expand Students

for DC Vote and assist with new outreach efforts.

Eli Zigas—Program AssociateEli Zigas can’t get enough of DC Vote. He worked for

DC Vote as an executive assistant in 2001, and is excited

to be back at home in the District after working on the wes

coast. Eli has been helping DC Vote organize media events

to raise the profile of DC voting rights nationally and buildin

coalitions with activists in other states.

DC Vote’s own Abraham Lincoln made a

brief appearance at the CNN/Youtube debate

‘Discover DC’ participants canvass

local businesses with DC Vote signs.

Nell Schaffer talks voting rights

 with locals at Adams Morgan Day.

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Voic7  Working to End Taxation Without Representation in the Nation’s Capital

Extra! Extra!

As DC Vote stepped up its advocacy efforts following

the vote in the Senate on September 16, local and

national media outlets took notice:

Chicago Daily Herald —October 3rd

“Give D.C. Residents Their Right to Vote”

Op-Ed by Jan Kay

 Arizona Republic—October 19th

“D.C. Voting Activists Hound GOP” by Mike Madden

Yale Daily News—October 30th

“Residents of DC Deserve Right to Vote for House

and Senate” Letter-to-Editor by Alexandra Stein

Chicago Tribune—November 7th

“House Members Who Can’t Vote Say They’re

Counted Out” by Gabrielle Russon

WAMU FM—November 8th

“DC Vote Wins Support of Veterans”

by Jessica Golloher

The American Observer —November 8th

“District Residents Rally Once Again for Congressional

Representation” by Ryan Sibley

Harvard Political Review —November 16th

“When Some are Less Equal” by Helen Strom

Roll Call —December 5th

“Advocates Plan Tea Party for DC Representation”

by Elizabeth Brotherton

Washington Post —December 17th

“Residents Keep D.C. Vote Fight Brewing—

Tea Party Protest Evokes Famed Boston Revolt”

by David Nakamura

Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas tapes

a message for the Republican candidates.

Chairman Vincent Gray and Councilmember Carol Schwartz

rally the Senate with Eugene Kinlow.

DC Young Republicans Chair Marcus Skelton parties

 with festive participants at a community festival.

DC Vote’s Abe LincolnLook-alike Enjoys Five Secondsof Fame during CNN Debate

Although he fell short of a full fifteen minutes of fame, a

DC Vote supporter-turned-Abraham Lincoln did surprise theGOP candidates with a brief guest appearance at the CNN

YouTube Republican Debate on November 28. In a montage

showing a few clever submissions, DC Vote staffer Eli Zigas

dressed as a striking Abraham Lincoln, entertained

candidates at the start of the debate.

Of the thousands of videos submitted to the CNN YouTube

debates, eleven were created by DC Vote supporters at

DCTV studios. Participants included: Robert Kabel, Chair of

DC Republican Committee; Marcus Skelton, Chair of the

DC Young Republicans; Harry “Tommy” Thomas Jr., DC City 

Councilmember; Yvette Alexander, DC City Councilmember;and Nelson Rimensnyder, Vietnam veteran; Marque and

Sheryll Chambliss; Ann Hoffman; and Tonya Vidal Kinlow an

Chandrai Jackson-Saunders.

All videos are available on DC Vote’s Web site and will be

featured as part of DCTV’s regular programming throughout

the month of December.

DC Vote Honoredfor Advocacy Efforts

The Institute for Policy Studies bestowed the Letelier-Moffit

Human Rights Award, conferred upon organizations to

“celebrate new heroes of the human rights movement.”

Executive Director Ilir Zherka was also named a recipient

of the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation’s 2007

Exponent Award, recognizing visionary leadership of nonpro

organizations working in the DC area.

DC Vote is humbled to have been so graciously honored fo

its advocacy work in the nation’s capital.

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Voice  WINTER 2007 • www.dcvote.org 

  N  o  n  p  r  o  f i  t   O  r  g .

   U .  S .  P  o  s  t  a  g  e

  P   A I   D

   W  a  s  h i  n  g  t  o  n ,   D   C

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  a  s  h i  n  g  t  o  n ,   D   C  2  0  0  0  9

Special Thanks & RecognitionDC Vote is proud to welcome Joseph Perta and Donald

Sherman as the newest members of the DC Vote Board

of Directors.

DC Vote greatly appreciates the many supporters who lend a

gracious hand with pro bono services, meeting space and

event assistance. Thank you to the AFL-CIO, the Beacon

Hotel, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Common Cause, DCist.com, DCTV,

the DC Young Suffragists, Jenner & Block LLP, the Leadership

Conference on Civil Rights, the League of Women Voters,

Levendis Law Group PLLC, the National Music Center at theCarnegie Library Building, Nick’s Riverside Grill, People For

the American Way and Specialties, Inc.

Very special thanks to the Honorable Yvette Alexander,

Sheryll Cashin, Marque Chambliss, Tania Farries,

Tonya Gonzalez, Ann Hoffman, Lars Hydle, Chandrai

Jackson-Saunders, Robert Kabel, Joel Kaplan, Aviva

Kempner, Tonya Vidal Kinlow, Jane Varner Malhotra,

Sam McCoy, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Nelson

Rimesnyder, the Honorable Carol Schwartz, Andy Shallal,

Marcus Skelton, Bruce Spiva, the Honorable Harry

‘Tommy’ Thomas and all of our tireless volunteers.

DC Vote is a 501 (c)(3) educational and advocacy organization 

whose mission is to secure full voting representation

in Congress for the residents of the District of Columbia.

The Voice—DC Vote’s Newsletter

Editor: Kevin Kiger

Associate Editor: Josh Bumpus

Contributors: Jaline Quinto & Eli Zigas

Copyright © 2007 DC Vote

Democracy Is On the Move!

In January, DC Vote will be moving its offices to:

2000 P Street, NW

Suite 200

Washington, DC 20036

We look forward to continuing the fight

from our brand new location!