Political impact Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution

while perceived politically neutral , liberal-leaning @ time of passage in 1961, district swung dramatically toward democratic party in years after passage. african-americans voted in greater numbers had in 1940s , 1950s clearing away of restrictions on vote, , share of district electorate increased - according 1970 census, 71% of federal district black, dramatic jump. accordingly, district has sent 3 electoral votes democratic candidate in every single presidential election since 1964, including 1984 landslide re-election of president reagan, district of columbia , minnesota voted democratic candidate walter mondale. district s electoral votes have yet prove decisive in presidential election. smallest electoral college majority won democratic president since twenty-third amendment s ratification 56 vote majority achieved jimmy carter in 1976.

unaddressed twenty-third amendment parallel issues of congressional representation , home rule district. on december 24, 1973, congress approved district of columbia home rule act, established elected office of mayor , 13-member elected council district. these officials empowered pass laws , enact administrative policies district, though congress retained veto power, if chose intervene. on march 23, 1971, president nixon signed district of columbia delegate act authorized voters in district elect 1 non-voting delegate represent them in house of representatives. on august 22, 1978, congress submitted district of columbia voting rights amendment states ratification. sweeping proposal have granted district of columbia full representation in united states congress if state, repealed twenty-third amendment , granted district full representation in electoral college plus participation in process constitution amended if state. amendment failed become part of constitution, however, not ratified required number of states (38) prior august 22, 1985 ratification deadline. campaign proposed amendment ran fiercer conservative opposition due open , obvious fact 1978 proposed amendment have practically guaranteed 2 democratic senators time; amendment criticized on various other grounds well, , not ratified several more liberal states.