For Immediate Release
June 23, 2026
Sierra Wallace, Communications Director
(202) 355-8431
swallace@dccouncil.gov

Council Approves Henderson Amendment to Fully Implement Initiative 83, Expanding Primary Access to Independent Voters

Washington, DC – Today, the Council of the District of Columbia approved Councilmember Christina Henderson’s amendment to fully implement the Ranked Choice Voting and Open Primaries Elections to Independent Voters Act of 2024, commonly known as Initiative 83. The amendment, adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026, provides the funding necessary to implement the initiative's open primary provisions, allowing registered independent voters in the District of Columbia to participate in primary elections.

District voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative 83 in 2024 with 73% of the vote. While the Council funded and implemented the ranked choice voting portion of the law in 2025, the open primary provisions remained unfunded until today's vote, completing the implementation of one of the most significant election reforms in recent District history.

"As of today, there are approximately 85,000 registered independent voters in the District of Columbia, and many of those voters have been excluded from participating in the elections that often determine who ultimately represents them," said Councilmember Henderson. "Independent voters are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our constituents. They pay taxes, volunteer in their communities, serve on Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, coach youth sports, attend civic meetings, and contribute to public life in every corner of our city. They deserve a meaningful voice in choosing the leaders who make decisions on their behalf."

Councilmember Henderson, a registered independent, has long advocated for expanding participation for residents who choose not to affiliate with a political party. Many District residents, including some federal employees, journalists, members of the military, and others, either cannot or choose not to register with a party.

"Today's vote honors the will of District residents, expands participation in our democracy, and ensures that independent voters will have a seat at the table in the elections that shape the future of our city,” Henderson continued. This progress would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of Lisa Rice and the team at Grow Democracy DC, whose efforts mobilized residents, energized the movement, and helped bring about meaningful election reforms that strengthen our participatory democracy."

This provision would effectively be implemented for the 2028 elections. Any election that takes place in 2027 would be a special election in which all voters, regardless of party affiliation, can participate.

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