Para enmendar los Arts. 2.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.9, 5.13, 5.16, 8.4.a, 8.13.b, 9.9, 9.10, 9.37 y 9.38 de la Ley Núm. 58-2020, conocida como “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, a los fines de extender la franquicia electoral a las personas extranjeras domiciliadas en Puerto Rico; disponer que tales electores votarán exclusivamente mediante voto adelantado; adaptar las papeletas y tarjetas electorales a esos efectos; ordenar a la Comisión Estatal de Elecciones que reglamente los detalles necesarios para la implementación de esta Ley; para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill extends voting rights to foreign nationals residing in Puerto Rico, restricting them to advance voting only while requiring electoral system modifications.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 125 proposes amending Puerto Rico's 2020 Electoral Code to grant voting rights to foreign nationals domiciled in Puerto Rico. The measure would restrict these voters to advance voting only and require the State Elections Commission to establish implementation regulations and modify ballots accordingly.

Why is this important

This represents a significant expansion of electoral participation that would fundamentally change who qualifies as an electorate in Puerto Rico. The outcome directly affects representation, electoral demographics, and political influence in local and territorial elections, while raising questions about citizenship, residency requirements, and democratic participation standards.

Potential points of contention

Citizenship vs. residency: Traditional electoral frameworks globally link voting rights to citizenship; extending suffrage to non-citizens challenges this foundational principle and may face constitutional scrutiny

Electoral dilution concerns: Current voters may perceive their voting power diminished by expanding the electorate without corresponding population growth, particularly given Puerto Rico's unique political status

Implementation complexity: Restricting foreign nationals to advance voting only creates a two-tiered system that requires significant administrative infrastructure, training, and potential for administrative errors or disputes

Political motivation questions: Opponents may argue the measure serves particular partisan interests by targeting specific demographic groups, while proponents counter it promotes inclusion and economic investment

Definition ambiguity: "Foreign nationals domiciled in Puerto Rico" requires precise legal definition regarding residency duration, intent to remain, and documentation requirements