Hillary Clinton Endorses Right of Puerto Ricans to Vote for President, Supports Up or Down Vote on Statehood

Following some questions about Hillary Clinton’s position on statehood for Puerto Rico, the presumptive Democratic party nominee for this year’s presidential race has released a clarifying statement:

The people of Puerto Rico have a proud history and a distinct heritage–and as American citizens, they are entitled to have their voices heard on critical issues that affect them. All Americans should be able to vote for the people who make their laws.

During my presidency, I will work as hard as I can with the people of Puerto Rico and with advocates from all sides to answer the fundamental question of their political status. It is up to the people of Puerto Rico to decide, and I commit to supporting their decision.

A process to resolve Puerto Rico’s legal status must be fair and consistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the decision should be made by majority vote. I will support any process that meets these terms, such as an up or down vote on statehood.  It is time to bring this issue to closure.

Additionally, all American citizens, no matter where they reside, should have the right to vote for the President of the United States. I expressed that in 2008 and I reiterate that position again today.

The statement was released in Spanish as well, and we print the Spanish-language statement here for the convenience of our readers:

El pueblo de Puerto Rico posee una orgullosa historia y un patrimonio distintivo y, como ciudadanos estadounidenses, tienen el derecho que sus voces sean escuchadas en los asuntos críticos que les afectan. Todos los estadounidenses deberían poder votar por las personas que formulan sus leyes.

Durante mi presidencia, trabajaré tan fuerte como me sea posible con el pueblo de Puerto Rico y los defensores de todas las ideologías para contestar la pregunta fundamental de su estatus político. La decisión debe ser tomada por el pueblo de Puerto Rico y me comprometo a apoyar su decisión.

Un proceso para resolver el estatus legal de Puerto Rico debe estar basado en opciones que sean justas y consistentes con la Constitución y las leyes de los Estados Unidos y cuya decisión sea por voto mayoritario. Apoyaré cualquier proceso que cumpla con estos términos, cómo lo es un voto sí o no sobre la estadidad. Es tiempo de cerrar este asunto.

Además, todos los ciudadanos estadounidenses, no importa dónde residan, deben tener el derecho de votar por el presidente de los Estados Unidos. Lo expresé en el 2008 y reitero mi posición hoy nuevamente.

In previous statements, Secretary Clinton has emphasized her long history of involvement in Puerto Rico related issues, including visiting Puerto Rico as First Lady in 1998 after Hurricane Georges, coordinating with Puerto Rico officials as Secretary of State in providing emergency aid to Haiti following a major earthquake, representing a vibrant Puerto Rican community as U.S. Senator from New York, and visiting the island extensively as a presidential candidate.”