DC Voters: We Don't Count, But We Vote Anyway

The District of Columbia has three electoral votes to offer to a presidential contender every four years. Between those slight highs of semi-acceptance by the other 50 states, D.C. voters rely on a non-voting member of Congress and its own District Council and Mayor to make their voices heard.

Tuesday, Patch asked voter after voter, "What brought you out today?" Many cited a civic duty and to exercise their rights.

Sherry Cox stood in line at Christ Church holding her 3-year-old daughter. Cox said she came to vote in the presidential election more so than the local election.

"It's a big election," said Cox, looking at her daughter. "I want my voice to be heard."

Many, like Georgetowner Lena Derhally, also readily admitted they did so even though their vote did not "matter much in D.C."

So why do D.C. voters turn out in such numbers when so many of them admit their vote does not really matter compared to other (actual) states?

For Howard Katz, a Georgetown resident and D.C. voter for 35 years, it's fundamental.

"Turn out is an important measure of the extent to which we believe in this kind of system... a democratic system," he said.

How do you feel about voting in the District? Tell us in the comments.

Sydney Bickers contributed to this report.