A referendum to be held in November will ask Puerto Ricans if the island be admitted as a US state.
Danica Coto

Associated PressMAY 17, 20204:07AM

Governor Wanda Vazquez says she will hold a non-binding referendum in November to decide whether Puerto Rico should become a US state.
For the first time in the island's history, the referendum will ask a single, simple question: should Puerto Rico be immediately admitted as a US state?
It's an answer that requires approval from US Congress and a question that outraged the island's small group of independence supporters and members of the main opposition Popular Democratic Party, which supports the status quo.
Puerto Rico has struggled to obtain federal funds for hurricanes Irma and Maria, a string of recent strong earthquakes and the coronavirus pandemic amid growing complaints that the island does not receive fair and equal treatment.
Previous referendums have presented voters with more than one question or various options, including independence or upholding the current territorial status, but none have been so direct as the one scheduled to be held during the November 3 general elections.
"Our people will have the opportunity once and for all to define our future," Vazquez said. "It's never too late to be treated as equals."
Puerto Ricans are US citizens but cannot vote in US presidential elections.
And while the island is exempt from the US federal income tax, it still pays Social Security and Medicare and local taxes and receives less federal funding than US states.

Puerto Ricans to vote on US statehood