Discussion » Questions » Politics » Why do Americans residing in the Territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, East Samoa etc) have no voice in Presidential elections?
Slartibartfast

Why do Americans residing in the Territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, East Samoa etc) have no voice in Presidential elections?

They are Americans who have been disenfranchised.

Posted - December 5, 2020
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Responses


  • 11002
    Because the U.S. Constitution gave that power to the States (an amendment allows Washington D.C. to vote for President). The territories don't pay Federal Income tax either. In order to participate in the Presidential election, territories would need to become states . Many states started out as territories and only Congress has the power to grant statehood.



      December 5, 2020 5:34 AM MST
    2

  • 17595
    They are not disenfranchised.  They vote in the primaries so they affect the choosing of candidates.  They do not participate in the popular vote for president or the electoral college.  People born in Puerto Rico have provisional statutory USA citizenship.  Only fundamental constitutional rights are guaranteed in unincorporated territories, not the full application of civil rights. This post was edited by Thriftymaid at December 6, 2020 3:29 AM MST
      December 5, 2020 6:11 PM MST
    1