STATE & NATIONAL: Today, despite the inability of Puerto Ricans residing their home country to vote in a U.S. election, the nation’s residents are regarded as U.S. citizens. Today, Vice President Kamala Harris visits with non-constituents in Puerto Rico to drum up support through a local fundraiser held in San Juan Puerto Rico. Federal voting rights for Puerto Rican nationals differ from those of residents in the fifty states and the District of Columbia.
By Anne M Erbynstein
In Puerti Rico, Vice President Harris, Aldo, traveled to Canovaras, the city devastated by Hurricane Maria. Harris visited with Governor Pedro Pierluisi along with other US dignitary including U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman.
Residents of Puerto Rico do not have voting representation in the United States Congress. While Puerto Rico has a resident commissioner in the U.S. House of Representatives, this delegate is not allowed to vote on the floor of the House but can vote on procedural matters and in House committees.
Puerto Rico residents are not entitled to electoral votes for president. The United States Constitution specifies that members of Congress shall be elected by direct popular vote, and the president and vice president shall be elected by electors chosen by the states. Since Puerto Rico is not a state, it does not participate in the Electoral College.
Although Puerto Rico citizens were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917, there has been no change in Puerto Rico’s representation in Congress or representation in the electoral college for U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico.
Like other territories, Puerto Rico holds presidential primary elections in the spring of each presidential election year. Delegates are chosen to attend the Republican and Democratic national conventions. However, this marks the end of the territory’s participation in the presidential election.
Despite the 1917 inclusion, Puerto Rico residents do not have the right to vote in U.S. general elections, including the presidential election. While they can participate in primary elections, their lack of direct voting representation remains an ongoing issue.
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