SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – While most Americans were consumed with the outcome of the Presidential election last Tuesday night, another election was being held nearly 500 miles to the southeast of Miami, Florida which may have an even greater lasting impact upon the American story.
Voters in the US territory of Puerto Rico exercised their options to reject their current “Commonwealth” status, asking instead to to become America’s 51st state.
In total, an overwhelming majority of almost 2/3 voters chose “statehood,” in a historic first for the island.
| Choice | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Statehood | 802,179 | 61.15% |
| Sovereign Free Associated State | 436,997 | 33.31% |
| Independence | 72,551 | 5.53% |
Obama has previously pledged to respect the democratic voice of the people and made it clear that he would like Puerto Rico to be admitted as a state.
The next step will be for Congress to determine whether or not the island Commonwealth hundreds of miles to our east should be permitted into the Union.
“The ball is now in Congress’ court and Congress will have to react to this result… This is a clear result that says ‘no’ to the current status.” announced one pro-statehood advocate following Tuesday’s vote.
Should Puerto Rico be admitted into the union, it would be the first time America added a star to the flag in 53 years.
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