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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The registry allows political parties to contend in all elections. There is no need to make any additional procedure for every election.
Source: State Election Commission (SEC).
Verified: 2009/07/05
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
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration j . Other
Comments: Candidates to the Senate must be properly registered in the electoral registry, to be at least thirty years of age, to be American and Puerto Rican citizens, to have lived at least during the two years prior to the election in Puerto Rico and at least one year before in the district for which they will contend; likewise they must be able to read and write in Spanish or English. Besides, the candidates from political parties must go through the procedures of internal selection made by their party. In the case of independent candidates, they must present the petitions of the 5% of electors of the total votes for the last General Governor.
Source: Constitution: Article III sections 5 and 6.
Electoral Law: Articles 4.001 (b), 4.006, 4.006-A, 4.009, 4.010, 4.014 and 4.027.
Verified: 2009/07/05
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: The referendum is mandatory in case of making up municipalities.
Source: Constitution: Article IV section 1.
Verified: 2009/07/05
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments i . Other public policy issues
Comments: The referendum is mandatory in case of making up municipalities.
Source: Constitution: Article IV section 1 and Article VII section 1.
Verified: 2009/07/05
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: One polling official for every registered political party.
The largest polling station: One polling official for every registered political party.
Average per polling station:
Source
No Source
Verified
2016/08/26
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