Election Day in Puerto Rico Could Usher in Statehood

It's Election Day and Americans are heading to the polls today. And while the next President of the United States will be voted into office tonight, there is another huge vote going down in Puerto Rico—Statehood.

Puerto Rico will hold its 7th Plebiscite vote today and from the looks of it, voters on the island could very well open a pathway to statehood for the island.

Over the years there has been steady and increasing support for the statehood initiative, including bipartisan support from U.S. lawmakers.

The statehood push is being led popular by Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R) who is running for governor of Puerto Rico.

A new  Yougov poll indicates that many Americans statehood for Puerto Rico

YouGov surveyed 7,200 Americans this week, inquiring if they supported Puerto Ricans voting in favor of becoming the 51^st state. The poll results show that over 59% of respondents support the decision, 16% oppose the decision, and 25% argue that they are unsure.

In terms of political affiliations, Democrats and Independents were more likely to support Puerto Rico becoming the 51^st state with 79% of Democrats and 56% of Independents being favorable. In contrast, Republicans were more likely to be opposed to the idea with 29% of Republicans opposing it.

As well, 15% of Democrats, 29% of Independents, and 31% of Republicans responded that they were unsure of the measure.