As Congress prepared for the July 4th holiday, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU), introduced a proposal that would create a congressional task force to determine a path for voting rights for United States citizen residents of U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico.
The announcement comes on Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, underscoring the historical significance of expanding democratic participation for all Americans.
“Today, on Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, we take a critical step toward addressing one of the most glaring inequities in our democracy. The timing of this announcement honors the historic significance of July 3, 1848, when enslaved people in the Danish West Indies—now the U.S. Virgin Islands—gained their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights and representation,” announced Congresswoman Plaskett.
“More than 3.5 million Americans living in U.S. territories are denied the fundamental right to vote for President and lack full representation in Congress. The last five territories of the United States remain in a perpetual limbo status with no path to full inclusion for residents. Congress has a constitutional responsibility for the territories, and this legislation will provide an avenue for Congress to examine access to the ballot for its residents and address this democratic deficit,” Plaskett continued.
“Territories proudly send their sons and daughters in harm’s way to serve in our Armed Forces at higher rates than the States. Yet, we cannot vote for our Commander-in-Chief, nor vote in the House of Representatives, nor have our voices heard in the Senate,” Congressman Moylan stated. “The task force we are seeking to establish would study the long-term effects that this has and what barriers there are to voting representations. It is important that we look at how we can guarantee American citizens in the Territories have a seat at the table.”
“As Congressman Moylan shared, residents of our territories serve in the armed forces in disproportionate numbers but cannot vote for their Commander in Chief. This Task Force takes vital steps to address the inclusion of residents of the U.S. Territories, where millions of Americans currently lack equal representation and equal voting power. We cannot continue to accept second-class citizenship for Americans based solely on their geographic location.” Plaskett emphasized.
“I would like to thank Congressman Moylan for his partnership in co-leading this legislation and invite my colleagues to join us in our fight for fundamental fairness and ensuring that all Americans have a voice in their government, regardless of which territory or state they call home,” Plaskett concluded.
The Proposal
A fifteen-member Congressional Task Force would be appointed by congressional leadership from both parties to ensure bipartisan representation. The Task Force would be further required to provide a status update to Congress 180 days after enactment and submit a comprehensive report within one year examining impediments to voting rights in territories and recommended changes for full and equal representation. The Task Force would have authority to hold hearings, consult with territorial governments, and utilize existing congressional resources before terminating upon submitting its final report.
I find it totally reprehensible that the U.S. continues to stall or ignore the Territories when it comes to the right to vote for the Presidency and have complete representation in the HOUSE and SENATE!!!
The U.S. will gladly accept the men and women to serve in the military, but will not extend them the courtesy of allowing them to have a say as to who they answer to.
It is way past rime for Congress grant the Territories the right to vote and have representation.