How many times did Puerto Rico vote for statehood?
2012 referendum Of those who answered the second question, 834,191 (61.2%) chose statehood, 454,768 (33.3%) chose free association, and 74,895 (5.5%) chose independence.
When did Puerto Rico last vote to become a state?
A referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico was held in Puerto Rico on June 11, 2017. The referendum had three options: becoming a state of the United States, independence/free association, or maintaining the current territorial status. Those who voted overwhelmingly chose statehood by 97%.
How come Puerto Rico is not a state?
As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million residents are U.S. citizens. However, while subject to U.S. federal laws, island-based Puerto Ricans can’t vote in presidential elections and lack voting representation in Congress. As a U.S. territory, it is neither a state nor an independent country.
Is Puerto Rico a country Yes or no?
The political status of Puerto Rico is that of an unincorporated territory of the United States. As such, the island of Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign nation nor a U.S. state. Because of that ambiguity, the territory, as a polity, lacks certain rights but enjoys certain benefits that other polities have or lack.
When did Puerto Rico become the 51st state?
On January 4, 2017, Puerto Rico’s new representative to Congress pushed a bill that would ratify statehood by 2025….2017 referendum.
| June 11, 2017 | |
| Location | Puerto Rico |
| Voting system | Plurality |
| Results | |
|---|---|
| Statehood 97.16% Independence/Free Association 1.51% Current Territorial Status 1.32% |
Why is Hawaii a state and not Puerto Rico?
The two statements are not identical. Puerto Rico is specifically identified as a logical candidate for statehood, while Hawaii was identified as deserving of equality and home rule. However, it was Hawaii that became a state in 1959, and Puerto Rico continues to be a territory.
Could Puerto Rico become a state?
The bill would require a binding referendum to be held in Puerto Rico asking whether the territory wants to be admitted as a state. In the event of a yes vote, the president would be asked to submit legislation to Congress to admit Puerto Rico as a state.
Can Puerto Rico become its own country?
Puerto Rico would become a sovereign nation with its own political system, language, culture, and membership in the United Nations. The United States would no longer be obligated to provide financial support, but would lose all military bases unless Puerto Rico agreed to lease them.
Do Puerto Ricans pay SS?
For instance, Puerto Rico residents are exempt from federal income tax, though they do pay other federal taxes such as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes.