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Puerto Rico Puerto Rico

Boundary Delimitation

BD001

Delimitation of constituencies


Question:Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: For election of members of the Legislative Assembly, Puerto Rico shall be divided into eight senatorial districts and forty representative districts.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 3, 4) and VIII: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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BD003

Criteria for drawing boundaries


Question:On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s): a. "Equality" of population
c. Compactness of constituencies
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
g. Other
Comments: The districts are made up by contiguous and compact territories, considering as far as possible the existing population and communication routes.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 4) and VIII: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ; Electoral Districts’ Law: “Determinación final de la Junta Constitucional de Revisión de Distritos Electorales Senatoriales y Representativos (2011)”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-distritos-electorales-2011/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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BD005

Body responsible for drawing boundaries


Question:The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s): g. Other
Comments: Such division shall be determined by the Constitutional Inspection Board of the Senatorial and Representative Districts, composed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, as Chairman, and two additional members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ; Electoral Districts’ Law: “Determinación final de la Junta Constitucional de Revisión de Distritos Electorales Senatoriales y Representativos (2011)”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-distritos-electorales-2011/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Electoral Systems

ES001

Head of State


Question:How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s): e. Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: The Head of State is the president of the United States who is elected by an Electoral College. The Puerto Rico's citizens cannot vote in presidential elections, but they can vote in the Republican and Democratic party primary presidential elections.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ES002

Head of Government


Question:How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer: a. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: According to the special legal system of Puerto Rico, the General Governor is head of Government who is elected by universal suffrage through the principle of simple majority vote, for a four-year term.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. IV (s. 1) and VI (s. 4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ES003

President


Question:Does the country have a president?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: The Head of State of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico is the president of the United States.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ES004

Number of Chambers


Question:The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer: b. Two chambers
Comments: The legislative power shall be vested in a Legislative Assembly composed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ES005

Electoral System (Chamber 1)


Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): a. Plurality (FPTP)
f. Single Non-Transferable Vote
Comments: The House of Representatives is composed by 51 members, 40 of which are chosen according to the principle of simple majority in single-member districts and the other 11 through the system of accumulation, where the electors only vote for individual candidates and seats are assigned to those who received the greatest number of votes.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 3, 7): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Legislative Framework

LF001

Status of Electoral Law


Question:What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s): a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ; Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/ ; Electoral Districts’ Law: “Determinación final de la Junta Constitucional de Revisión de Distritos Electorales Senatoriales y Representativos (2011)”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-distritos-electorales-2011/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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LF003

Electoral Law covers


Question:The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s): a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Comments: The law regulates general elections, municipal elections, internal elections of the parties, referenda, plebiscites and special elections in case there are vacant seats in the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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LF004

Compulsory/voluntary voting


Question:Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s): a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: The laws shall guarantee the expression of the will of the people by means of equal, direct, secret and universal suffrage, which can be exercised at the age of 18. There is no provision or rule into the Law about compulsory vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. II (s. 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 2.2, 5.1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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LF007

Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)


Question:What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s): b. EMB
Comments: The State Election Commission is responsible about contentious electoral issues.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.5: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Electoral Management

EM002

Responsibility of national EMB


Question:Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s): a. National level
c. Local level
Comments: The State Elections Commission is responsible for the general state elections, municipal elections, internal elections of the parties, referendums or plebiscites and special elections in case there are vacant seats in the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM004

EMB budget determined by


Question:The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s): c. The legislature
d. A national government department
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.1(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM005

EMB expenditures controlled by


Question:The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s): c. The legislature
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: The State Elections Commission must submit an annual report to the Comptroller and to the Legislative Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 22): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.1(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM006

Term of EMB members


Question:The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer: b. For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the State Election Commission shall serve for a four-year term.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.7(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM012

Electoral Management model


Question:What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer: b. Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.2: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM013

Number of EMB members


Question:The EMB is composed of:
Answer: a. 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The State Election Commission is composed of a Chair, and two, or even three, Election Commissioners representing the political parties that have achieved the established threshold.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.1(2a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM014

Membership based on


Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer: b. Expertise
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.7(5): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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EM015


Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s): g. Political parties
Comments: The Election Commissioners are appointed by the political parties with the most votes in the previous general elections, and they appoint the Commission's Chair.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.7, 3.10(6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Voter Education

VE001

Information campaigns performed by


Question:Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s): a. National Electoral Management Body
Comments: Among the attributions of the President of the Commission is the duty of educating and providing orientation to voters and political parties about their rights and obligations, using any available media and public information techniques in order to do so.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.8(15), 5.1(10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VE002

Frequency of voter education programs


Question:At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer: a. Continuously
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.8(15), 5.1(10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VE003

National civic education


Question:Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s): b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 3.8(15), 5.1(10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Voter Registration

VR001

Voting age


Question:What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer: c. 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VI (s. 4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 5.3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VR002

Other voting requirements


Question:Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s): a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: Any citizen of the United States and Puerto Rico who is legally domiciled in the island’s jurisdiction and who, by the date of a scheduled election event, has attained the age of 18 years, is duly qualified prior to said election event, and has not been declared mentally incompetent by a Court, shall be a voter in Puerto Rico.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. II (s. 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 5.3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VR004

Authority responsible for voter registration


Question:Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer: d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The State Election Commission of Puerto Rico.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 5.12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VR008

Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?


Question:Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: If a voter fails to exercise his/her right to vote in two general elections, his/her file in the General Voter Registry shall be disabled.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 5.2, 5.10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Parties and Candidates

PC001

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)


Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
e. Minimum number of candidates
f. Other
Comments: The request for registration of a political party shall be submitted before the State Election Commission. Additionally, is required not less than 3% of the total votes during the last General Governor election. The political parties "by request", shall include the name of the party to be certified and the party insignia.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 6.1, 6.4: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ; Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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PC003

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)


Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: The Legislative Assembly candidates´ qualifications are: Be able to read and write the Spanish or English language; Citizenship of the United States and Puerto Rico; Reside in Puerto Rico at least two years immediately prior to the election; Be at least 25 years old.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. III (s. 5, 6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 7.2: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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PC008

Independent candidates


Question:Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s): e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Independent candidates shall use as a basis to determine the number of endorsement petitions for primaries, which they are required to file, 3% of the valid votes polled by the candidate in the preceding General Election.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 7.15: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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PC012

Public funding of parties


Question:Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s): b. Direct
Comments: Political parties have access to the Special Fund for Electoral Campaigns, provided by request before the Electoral Comptroller.
Source: Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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PC015


Question:What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s): a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”, art. 9.001 & 9.002: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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PC017


Question:Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: The Special Fund for Electoral Campaigns shall be appropriated, partly, from contributions received by political parties and their candidates for the office of governor, which amount shall not exceed USD 5 million. The law sets up limits for each kind of donation. Any contribution exceeding the amount of USD 200 shall require the identification of the contributor with his/her name and last name, mailing address, name of the person or entity to whom the contribution is made, and an identification number.
Source: Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”, art. 5.000-5.015, 9.000-9.009: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Vote Counting

VC004

Votes are sorted/counted at


Question:Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer: a. The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 10.1, 10.3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VC011

When are ballots recounted?


Question:Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s): c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
Comments: The recount is made when the result of the scrutiny between the two major candidates is of 100 votes or less, or 0.5% of the votes cast for the respective post.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 10.8: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Media and Elections

ME037

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time


Question:What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s): i. Not applicable
Comments: Radio and television stations owned by the Government shall not be used by any party for political-partisan purposes. The law not foresees free broadcast time, only paid advertising on equal terms.
Source: Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ME059

Television debates


Question:Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s): a. Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 5.3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ; Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ME062

Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.


Question:What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer: g. No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ; Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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ME080


Question:Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”, art. 9.001: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Direct Democracy

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.1–11.11: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: Each proposal for a constitutional amendment must be submitted to a special referendum for its approval or rejection by a majority of the votes cast.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VI (s. 1), VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD004

Optional referendums (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer: c. No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer: c. No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer: c. No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD007


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD129


Question:Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer: b. Sometimes binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD130


Question:Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer: c. Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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DD131


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ; Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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Voting Operations

VO003

Electors vote at


Question:Where can electors vote?
Answer(s): a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
f. By mail
Comments: The local commission shall determine the location of the polling stations within the Electoral Unit where its voters reside.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.014, 9.017, 9.027, 9.035 - 9.038: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VO004

Voting outside the country is permitted for


Question:Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s): c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.34: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VO005

Locations for voting outside of the country


Question:If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s): e. By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.36: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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VO011

Voting method


Question:How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s): a. Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 9.27: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
Verified: 2020/11/03
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The data on this page is continuously updated. Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.