My name is Surel Diallo. I am a student at Washington Latin and deeply passionate about our government. As a resident and student of this beautiful city, I believe strongly in statehood for D.C. and hold a strong desire to effect positive change by advocating for this cause.

Many often forget that Washington D.C., home to over 705,000 people as of 2020, has a greater population than states like Vermont and Wyoming but is yet to be granted statehood. Our residents pay the highest per-capita federal income taxes in the U.S., yet we are afforded no voting representation in our own Congress. This, I believe, constitutes blatant taxation without representation, a principle our great nation strongly opposes.

As the capital of our nation, Washington D.C.'s political autonomy has often been undermined by Congress, with congressional review required over its own budget and laws. Despite all these, the resilience and spirit of our citizens remain undeterred. We have a right to control our local affairs and fully participate in the democratic processes defining our nation’s trajectory.

Our fight for statehood isn't just about correcting a historical oversight. It’s about creating a more inclusive democracy where every American, regardless of where they live, holds equal political power and ability to effect change.

I'm raising this petition to urge our lawmakers to pass legislation making Washington D.C. the 51st state. Help us win this fight for equality and representation in our nation's democracy. Sign the petition and lend your voice to our cause.