D.C. voters approve controversial Initiative 83
It’s ironic that the city that is home to the federal government gets almost no say in how the federal government is run. From license plates that display the phrase “No Taxation Without Representation” to countless “51st State” stickers seen everywhere, the residents of Washington are well aware that their vote carries less weight than other Americans.
Despite this, one group in Washington is attempting to expand residents’ electoral power through Initiative 83. The group ‘Yes On 83’ has been the driving force behind the measure.
They have put up signs across the city, handed out flyers, and spoken to people about what the initiative would change. “Initiative 83 is a two-part ballot initiative,” said Porter Bowman, the volunteer communications director for Yes On 83. “It does two things.
One, would implement ranked choice voting in primaries and general elections in D.C., as well as let independents vote in the primary of their choosing.” On Tuesday after the polls closed, the Yes on 83 team gathered at Crush Dance Bar on 14th Street for an election watch party.
