SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – As voter across the U.S. head to the polls to pick a new president, Puerto Ricans headed to the polls to decide if they should change their ties with the United States.
Citizens in the U.S. island territory cannot vote in the U.S. presidential election, but many were excited to participate in a referendum that could push the territory toward statehood, greater autonomy or independence.
Car horns blared and party flags waved as voters headed to polling stations, many carrying umbrellas against the blistering tropical sun as temperatures neared 90 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees centigrade).
The two-part referendum first asks voters if they want to change Puerto Rico's 114-year relationship with the United States. A second question gives voters three alternatives if they do want a change: become the 51st U.S. state, independence, or "sovereign free association," a designation that would give more autonomy for the territory of 4 million people.
SUMMARY
A status of sovereign free association would give Puerto Rico more autonomy and allow U.S. jurisdiction only in certain judicial matters. The details of the relationship would have to be agreed upon by the U.S. and Puerto Rican governments.
"Puerto Rico has to be a state. There is no other option," said 25-year-old Jerome Lefebre, who picked up his grandfather before driving to the polls. "We're doing OK, but we could do better. We would receive more benefits, a lot more financial help."
But 42-year-old Ramon López de Azua said he favors the current system, which grants U.S. citizenship but prevents Puerto Ricans from voting for president unless they live in the United States, and gives those on the island only limited representation in Congress.
"Puerto Rico's problem is not its political status," he said. "I think that the United States is the best country in the world, but I am Puerto Rican first."
Both President Barack Obama and rival Mitt Romney have said they supported the referendum, with Obama pledging to respect the will of the people if there is a clear majority. Any change would require approval by the U.S. Congress.
"Puerto Rico's problem is not its political status," he said. "I think that the United States is the best country in the world, but I am Puerto Rican first."
We're US citizens, so I don't really get his point.
It would be really smart for them to become a state. Their congressmen would be able to put earmarks in bills to put money into Puerto Rico's infrastructure and improve the quality of life there to finally get it up with the rest of the US.
Most of the people here are too shallow to make that happen. They have too much pride to become a state. I doubt it happens in a very long time. It annoys me a bit, tbh.
Why? It's not like their culture will be wiped away once they become a state.
A lot of adults fear that actually and I don't really understand it why. It's frustrating because I, as a young adult, would love to see this country move forward along with the US. But it's that fear that's holding us back. All because of their damn pride.
"Puerto Rico's problem is not its political status," he said. "I think that the United States is the best country in the world, but I am Puerto Rican first."
We're US citizens, so I don't really get his point.
Most of us Puerto Ricans dont see ourselves as Americans. Mostly because of the VAST differences in language.
We're US citizens, so I don't really get his point.
