Plebiscite on Puerto Rico's status

A plebiscite on Puerto Rico’s status is a public vote in which Puerto Rican residents decide how they want their political relationship with the United States to be defined. It allows voters to choose between options like remaining a U.S. territory, becoming a state, or gaining independence. While the results guide discussions, they are non-binding, meaning the U.S. government is not obligated to follow the outcome. These votes help gauge public opinion and inform policymakers about Puerto Rico's preferred future.