State of the Territory | Freedom is on the Ballot

In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.

As the presidential campaign intensifies, the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, has chosen a powerful slogan: “Freedom.” Accompanied by Beyoncé’s stirring anthem, “Freedom,” this message aims to resonate deeply with voters across the nation. But as we consider the implications of freedom, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: freedom in America cannot be selective. True freedom must extend to every American, including those residing in U.S. territories who are still unjustly denied the right to vote.

The Insular Cases, a series of racist and outdated Supreme Court decisions, continue to strip millions of Americans living in territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands of their fundamental democratic rights. These cases, steeped in the prejudices of a bygone era, perpetuate a second-class status for these citizens. As we celebrate the ideals of freedom and democracy, we cannot ignore the plight of those who remain disenfranchised by these archaic rulings.