Evening star., 1947-11-09
Key States Reported
Favoring Dual Vote
UnderD. Home Rule

Chairman AuchincloSs OF the
House Home Rule Subcommittee
said last night a preliminary survey
indicated some important States
favor the dual suffrage proposed by
the subcommittee for Washington
residents. IA &
Governors of few States already
have been reached on the issue,
the New Jersey Republican ex-
planned and objections were raised
by Them. On the contrary these
governors, who were not named have
offered willing cooperation Mr..
Auchincloss said.
The subcommittee has recon-
mended that a person residing here
for one year could vote for the
proposed District Council of IL
members even though he also voted
"back home for both State and
national officers.
Some questions were raised in
various circles over this dual suf-
frage plan, especially in view Of
States rights involved in suffrage
procedures.
To Pursue Inquiry.
Mr.. Auchincloss said early returns
on his committees investigation of
the question had proved encourag-
ing. The inquiry will be pursued
further, he said,. to learn the at
titude of many other States.
A person living in Washington
would not be voting for any candi-
date twice if he cast a ballot for
District councilmen here and also
voted for president, vice president,
and local and State officials in the
State of his legal residence, Mr.
Auchincloss pointed out.
The issue is of enough Importance,
however, the committee chairman
explained, to deserve further study
and inquiry into the laws of various
States and the position taken by
their legal authorities.
A preliminary study also has been
made of the question by the law sec
ton of the Legislative Reference
Service of the Library of Congress
at the request of the committee.
State Legislation offered.
The apparent answer on the issue
seems to be that if present State
laws were interpreted favorably to
the Washington resident, he would
not be barred from voting both In
the National Capital and back
home"
Some States have provisions which
stipulate that no voter may cast his
ballot in his home State and also In
any other State or territory.
The governors already interviewed
for the Auchincloss committee not
only offered no antagonism to dual
suffrage, it was learned, but prom
ised that they would propose new
State legislation if necessary to as
sure dual suffrage to Washington
ians.
Many persons here, it is believed,
own property in both Washington
and in the State of their legal resi-
dence, and would benefit by being
able to exercise the right of suffrage
in both places. No duplication would
result, it was pointed out, inasmuch
as Washingtonians could not vote
for president or a member OF Con-
gress here.
Some opposition to dual suffrage
by Federal employees here already
has been voiced by two District
Commissioners John Russell
Young and Guy Mason. They based
their objections on the probability
that since Federal salaries here are
exempt now from the city individ-
ual income tax law. the new pro-
posal would give them the right to
vote here without paying such taxes
Committee to Meet Soon.
Attempts to change the local in
come tax law here, however, are
pending in Congress. -.-
Senator Cain, Republican, OF
Washington, has introduced bill
to repeal the individual income tax
levy here. He and some other In
Congress favor q sales tax for Wash