i hear there is a vote that Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico take to determine there status...?

Question

I hear the people of Puerto Rico hold a vote to determine there Political status to stay common wealth or become a state...When is this vote usually held and is it possible for Puerto Ricans here in the U.S. to vote too? even though Puerto Ricans here in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are American citizens? If Puerto Ricans here in the U.S. are allowed to vote i would like to know when and where because i would like to vote too.

Answer 1

Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States. The chief of state is the President of the United States of America. The head of government is an elected Governor. There are two legislative chambers: the House of Representatives, 51 seats, and the Senate, 27 seats.

Puerto Rico has authority over its internal affairs. United States controls: interstate trade, foreign relations and commerce, customs administration, control of air, land and sea, immigration and emigration, nationality and citizenship, currency, maritime laws, military service, military bases, army, navy and air force, declaration of war, constitutionality of laws, jurisdictions and legal procedures, treaties, radio and television--communications, agriculture, mining and minerals, highways, postal system; Social Security, and other areas generally controlled by the federal government in the United States. Puerto Rican institutions control internal affairs unless U.S. law is involved, as in matters of public health and pollution. The major differences between Puerto Rico and the 50 states are its local taxation system and exemption from Internal Revenue Code, its lack of voting representation in either house of the U.S. Congress, the ineligibility of Puerto Ricans to vote in presidential elections, and its lack of assignation of some revenues reserved for the states.

Answer 2

It is not a regularly scheduled vote. Periodically, about once a decade or so, Congress will pass a statute calling for a referendum to determine the status of Puerto Rico. Apparently, a new referendum bill is pending in Congress (whether it will pass this Congress or be taken up in the next Congress is unclear at this time).

The exact options in the referendum can, of course, only be determined when the legislation is enacted. In the past, it has typically offered the options of keeping commonwealth status, becoming a state, or gaining independence. Apparently, there are some in Congress who would like to either eliminate the commonwealth option in the next referendum or at least make changes to what commonwealth status would mean.

Puerto Ricans living in another state or territory of the U.S. would probably not have the right to vote in the referendum. This vote would merely be for the registered voters who reside in the commonwealth.

Answer 3

mmm if the congress approve..in December of 2009 the puerto ricans will vote if they want to stay like they are now (commonwealth) vs. if they want a permanent change...if they choose they want a change then they will vote for puerto rico to become a state, independent nation or free association. is a long process so i think we're gonna stay this way for a long time..........................i've heard the puerto ricans in united states will have the opportunity to vote

Answer 4

Puerto Ricans must be given the right to vote on that will happen to their territory to have political participation in US affairs or be independent.

Answer 5

This has come up several times in the past and the commonwealth status has won

Answer 6

they have had that vote 2x before i think i don't know if its coming up again.