SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Ricans faced a fundamental question on Election Day: Should they change their ties with the United States?

Lost in the election day enthusiasm throught much of the United Statees was coverage about Puerto Rico.  A ‘non-binding referendum’ was on the ballot to reconsider the 114-relationship with the United States as a territory.  54% voted for a change, while 46% favored the status quo.  The second question was asking how to change that relationship: 61% voted for statehood, 33% endorsed a sovereign free association, and 5% for independence.  President Obama has gone on record stating that he’ll support the will of a clear majority.  We’ll see what this means, but we are a lot closer to 51 states than we’ve ever been before. 

Tags: USA, political, states, autonomy. 

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