Memo: Voters Support Self-Determination
By Gustavo Sanchez Senior Data Engineer, Data for Progress
Executive Summary
Voters support both independence and statehood for U.S. territories at similar rates.
Voters agree the U.S. should commit to aid territories through a transition period in the event of a status change.
Most voters are unaware that Congress can buy and sell territories.
Introduction
The issue of Puerto Rico’s future has historically been used by both Democrats and Republicans to draw support from an ever growing diaspora without ever really taking decisive action once elected. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush both publicly supported statehood for the island and more recently, President Barack Obama suggested that extending voting rights to the “U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.” was long overdue.
