Puerto Ricans are unable to vote in presidential elections because they live in a U.S. territory. However, there are nearly 6 million Puerto Ricans living on the mainland U.S. who are eligible to vote and could have a significant impact, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania. The offensive remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump campaign rally, including calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage,” have caused outrage among Puerto Ricans both on the island and on the mainland. The Trump campaign has tried to distance itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks, stating that they were not pre-approved or reviewed.
Residents of Puerto Rico can participate in the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries but cannot vote in the general election. There has been a long-standing debate over the status of Puerto Rico and whether it should become a state. Congress has been hesitant to grant statehood to Puerto Rico due to economic costs and concerns about how it would impact the balance of power in Washington. Despite this, a majority of voters in Puerto Rico have indicated a desire for statehood in recent non-binding referendums.
In addition to Puerto Rico, residents of other U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also excluded from voting in presidential elections. However, those born in these territories who reside on the mainland U.S. are eligible to vote in federal elections. Residents of American Samoa, who are U.S. nationals, are not able to vote in federal elections even if they live in one of the states. The lack of representation for residents of these territories in presidential elections is a source of frustration and disenfranchisement for many.
The offensive remarks made by Tony Hinchcliffe about Puerto Rico have highlighted the lack of political representation and voice that residents of U.S. territories have in presidential elections. Despite being U.S. citizens, residents of these territories are unable to fully participate in the democratic process when it comes to choosing the country’s leader. The issue of statehood for Puerto Rico and other territories is a complex and contentious one that has yet to be resolved by Congress.
Moving forward, it is important to continue the conversation about the political status of U.S. territories and the rights of their residents to participate in presidential elections. Advocates for statehood and equal representation for territories like Puerto Rico are working to bring about change and ensure that all U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live, have a voice in the democratic process. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable political system that values the input and participation of all citizens, no matter where they call home.
