Puerto Rico has been a U.S. Territory for 122 years. It’s the World’s Oldest Colony. And on Election Day 2020, it’s Holding its Sixth Nonbinding Referendum on the Issue of Statehood.
In 2012 and 2017, the Island’s 3 Million Citizens overwhelmingly Backed Statehood, but Congress Never took further action to Admit Puerto Rico into the Union.
Both those Votes, however, were Plagued by Low Turnout, in fact, less than a Quarter of Eligible Voters cast Ballots in the 2017 Referendum, which was Boycotted by Opposition Parties that Support either Maintaining the Status Quo or Independence.
That raised Questions about the Legitimacy of the Vote, and has allowed Congressional Lawmakers to Punt on the Issue.
This year, Puerto Ricans are hoping to send a Clear Message to Congress regarding their Desire to Attain the Rights and Privileges associated with Statehood.
Congress isn’t under Legal Obligation to Abide by the Outcome of the Referendum, but Pproponents hope that, particularly if Democrats are able to take Control of both Congress and the White House, Strong Turnout, and a Decisive Outcome will Pressure Federal Lawmakers to finally take up the Issue.
In 2020's Election, the Puerto Rico Ballot Measure for Statehood Won with 52% of the Vote.
Now it will be up to Congress to decide whether to Admit Puerto Rico. As it looks now, it will have to Wait.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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