In a nonbinding referendum , Puerto Ricans voted on island 's status as a U.S. commonwealth . A majority rejected the current status and favored statehood as an alternative . It is the first time a majority of voters chose statehood . There were voters who prefer the current status but did n't agree with the way it was defined on the ballot , thereby inflating the number of votes against the status quo , said Luis Agrait , a history professor at the University of Puerto Rico . The vote was held in November 2016 with about half of eligible residents voting yes to independence from the United States.
In a nonbinding referendum , Puerto Ricans voted on island 's status as a U.S. commonwealth . A majority rejected the current status and favored statehood as an alternative . It is the first time a majority of voters chose statehood . The vote was held in November 2016 with about half of eligible residents voting yes to independence from the United States.