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On presidential election
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Posted on Nov 08 2000
The Issue: US Citizens in territorial possessions are bystanders in an election that would decide policy for them.
Our View: In 1961, a constitutional amendment granted voters in D.C. voting rights in presidential elections.
A spirited move by Puerto Ricans to vote in today’s presidential election came close to success, but was snuffed out by another court who ruled that the Caribbean territory would have to be a state in order for its people to qualify to vote.
Yet, there are certain anomalies that we find somewhat troublesome: 1. Washington, D.C. isn’t a state by any stretch of the imagination. 2. It is illogical to allow US Citizens in China to vote absentee where their rights aren’t denied. US Citizens in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are denied their rights to vote in presidential elections.
We’re not sure of the specifics used in the successful amendment of the US Constitution granting US Citizens in Washington, D.C. their rights to vote. But we’re sure that the criteria of becoming a state first before being granted their voting rights was never met. Perhaps this is the very argument that leaders from flag territories should employ to seek constitutional amendment to grant all citizens their voting rights.
We’re hopeful though that the next president of our country (hopefully George W. Bush) would assist US Citizens the world over benefit from an inclusive policy that grants them full participation in national elections. The alienation of US Citizens in territories so prohibited under the constitution is inconsequential from the more important provision on citizenship rights.
Let us hope that four years from now, every US Citizen is given his or her rights to participate in future presidential elections. Inclusiveness in vital national events such as presidential elections augurs well with the basic intent of the constitution on citizenship rights. It ensures equality across the land. It’s time for territorial leadership to converge and take a united front to seek inclusive participation in presidential elections. Si Yuus Maase`!
