passed by congress on june 17, 1960, and ratified by the states on march 29, 1961, amendment xxiii, for the purposes of the electoral college, treats the district of columbia the same as if it were a state. this gives the citizens of the district the right to vote in presidential elections. the amendment does not make the district a state, it gives the residents the same number of electors the same number as if it were a state. but, per the amendment, no more than the smallest state. the amendment does not give district citizens any representation in congress. congress continues to govern the district.