It was on this day in 1964 that D.C. residents were able to cast their first ballots for president since they had lost that right in 1800.

It was on this day 51 years ago that the Ohio became the 38th state to ratify the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution, which allowed D.C. residents to vote in presidential elections.

On this day in 1961, residents of the District finally gained the right to vote in presidential elections when Ohio became the 38th state to ratify the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution. Yes, that’s right — prior to the amendment’s ratification, residents of the District weren’t only denied any semblance of local governance, but were also completely shut out of national politics too.