Puerto Rico's Status as Part of the United States to Be Decided in November Referendum

Voters to choose between statehood, independence, or independence with free association in historic decision on island's political future

For the first time, Puerto Rico's current status as a U.S. territory will not be an option in a direct vote scheduled for the general election in November. The news was announced by Governor Pedro Pierluisi, a member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party.

This upcoming referendum will compel voters to choose between statehood, independence, or independence with free association, rather than maintaining the existing territorial status. This significant change is intended to force a decision on altering Puerto Rico’s current relationship with the United States. Independence with free association would involve negotiating terms regarding foreign affairs, U.S. citizenship, and the use of the U.S. dollar.

“In this way, we assert our rights as American citizens to demand our self-determination through direct voting without intermediaries and to require the federal government to address the grievance represented by our colonial status,” Pierluisi said.