The battle for Puerto Rico’s status is on. Puerto Rico has been a US territory for 122 years. It’s the world’s oldest colony. And on Election Day, it’s holding its sixth nonbinding referendum on the issue of statehood.

In 2012 and 2017, the island’s 3 million citizens overwhelmingly backed statehood, but Congress never took further action to admit Puerto Rico into the union. Both those votes had a low turnout, although the pro-statehood had an impressive over half a million votes during the 2017 referendum with an effective 97% in favor. It is suspected that the majority of absent voters were in favor of the status quo since that was the only option not provided in the ballot at the time, while the pro-independence received an affective 3% in favor.

The lack of participation raised doubts about the legitimacy of the vote, and has allowed US Congress to sideline the discussion of status for Puerto Rico.

This year, Puerto Ricans are hoping to send a clear message to Congress regarding their desire to attain the rights and privileges associated with statehood.

Congress isn’t under legal obligation to abide by the outcome of the referendum, but proponents hope that, particularly if Democrats are able to take control of both Congress and the White House, strong turnout and a decisive outcome will pressure federal lawmakers to finally take up the issue.

2020 Puerto Rico statehood referendum

A yes vote means Puerto Rico would like to become a state.

A no vote means Puerto Rico would like to remain a territory.

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RESULTS: Nov 3 2020 11:46PM PR TIME

COLEGIOS REPORTADOS: 4802 DE 5567 PARA UN 86.26%