PR's Vote

From USA Today:
"Puerto Ricans opt for statehood in referendum"

A slim majority of Puerto Ricans sought to change their ties with the United States and become the 51st U.S. state in a non-binding referendum that would require final approval from Congress.The two-part referendum asked whether the island wanted to change its 114-year relationship with the United States. Nearly 54 percent, or 922,374 people, sought to change it, while 46 percent, or 786,749 people, favored the status quo. Ninety-six percent of 1,643 precincts were reporting as of early Wednesday. The second question asked voters to choose from three options, with statehood by far the favorite, garnering 61 percent. Sovereign free association, which would have allowed for more autonomy, received 33 percent, while independence got 5 percent. President Barack Obama earlier expressed support for the referendum and pledged to respect the will of the people in the event of a clear majority. It is unclear whether U.S. Congress will debate the referendum results or if Obama will consider the results to be a clear enough majority. The island is currently a U.S. territory whose inhabitants are U.S. citizens but are prohibited from voting in presidential elections. Its resident commissioner in the U.S. House also has limited voting powers.

^ I don't see Puerto Rico changing it's status within the US anytime soon. Right now they get the best of both worlds. They are a territory and so don't have to enforce all the laws while at the same time they are assured Federal money when a hurricane comes - which is a big deal for territories and countries in the Caribbean. If Puerto Rico ever does become the next US State I don't think anything will change for anyplace other than the island - except an extra star on our flag. ^

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/07/puerto-rico-referendum/1689097/