Presidential electors for D.C.
Lets the District of Columbia participate in presidential elections through the Electoral College.
In Simple, Modern English
Section 1 gives the national capital district presidential electors appointed as Congress directs. Its number equals what it would receive if it were a state, but cannot exceed the least populous state's allotment. These electors vote under the 12th Amendment's process.
Section 2 allows Congress to enforce the provision.
Important Clauses & Details
Electoral participation
D.C. receives presidential electors in addition to those appointed by states. The constitutional cap gives it three electors under the present state allotments.
Congressional role
Congress directs the appointment method and may enact enforcement legislation.
Related election amendments: 12, 17, and 23
12: separate Electoral College ballots for president and vice president. 17: direct popular election of U.S. senators. 23: presidential electors for the District of Columbia, no more than the least populous state. These concern election procedures or representation, while 15, 19, 24, and 26 address specific voting barriers.
Why It Was Added
D.C. residents lived in the national capital and paid federal taxes but lacked electoral votes because the district is not a state. The amendment extended participation in choosing the president and vice president.
The amendment does not make D.C. a state or give it senators or voting representatives in Congress. The comparison with congressional seats is used only to calculate electors.
Plain-English study paraphrases summarize the text; they are not verbatim translations. Historical provisions and later changes are identified above. Sources: National Archives and Constitution Annotated.