June 5, 2016 Puerto Rico Democratic Presidential Primary

< June 4  |  June 5  |  June 7 >

67 Delegates (60 Pledged)
Summary:  Hillary Clinton scored a solid win in the primary, but a reduced number of polling places where Puerto Ricans could voter in the presidential primary and reports of long lines  prompted some Sanders supporters to cry foul (+).

PUERTO RICO DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY (60 pledged delegates)

Official Results - Comisión Estatal de Elecciones  |  Ballot [PDF]
CLINTON
 SANDERS DE LA FUENTE
 TOTAL
52,658
(59.74%)
 33,368
(37.85%)
 300
(0.34%)
 86,326
Others: 1,823 (of which 1,234 were blank) not included in total.

Organization:  CLINTON  |  SANDERS 


OVERVIEW
Puerto Rico sends a larger delegation to the Democratic Convention than many states.  
Puerto Rico Democrats (Partido Demócrata de Puerto Rico) originally planned to hold a caucus, but in April 2016 the DNC Rules Committee approved the party's request to hold a closed primary instead.  However, preparation for the primary appeared to be less than satisfactory.  The Democratic Party reduced the number of polling places where people could vote in the presidential primary from 1,510 to 455 because they could not get sufficient poll workers.  There were reports of long lines and other problems at polling places (+)..

Puerto Rico's debt crisis was a major issue, and both candidates weighed in on legislation moving in Congress to address the financial difficulties afflicting the Island (+).

Sen. Bernie Sanders visited on May 16, holding a town hall at Fundación Luis Muñoz Marín in San Juan, an invite-only conversation at Escuela Juan Ponce de Leon Montessori in Guaynabo, and "A Future to Believe In Puerto Rico Conference" at University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus.  Former President Bill Clinton spoke at three organizing events on May 17 (National College Plaza in Bayamón, Teatro Municipal de Cayey in Cayey, and Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico in Ponce). 


REACTIONS
Democratic National Committee
June 5, 2016

DNC Chair’s Statement on Puerto Rico Primary and U.S. Virgin Islands Caucuses

WASHINGTON -  DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement:

“I congratulate both of our candidates for their engagement and mobilization of voters in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands this weekend. Our candidates have made us proud with substantive and spirited campaigns that reflect the values of the Democratic Party and the values that reflect the best of America. That’s why the vast majority of Democratic voters in recent weeks have expressed optimism in our primary and in both of our candidates, with majorities ready to support either as our nominee.

“We are especially proud that both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have been outspoken about the need to help Puerto Rico overcome its current debt crisis while both protecting pensions and ordinary investors as much as possible. As American citizens for nearly a century, Puerto Ricans have been on the frontlines serving in every branch of our military and distinguishing themselves with valor, while also making tremendous contributions to our country in the arts, business, and politics. We must stand with our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico too.

“We must also continue to do everything we can for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and our mainland to combat the Zika virus. Congress must act to approve President Obama’s request for emergency funding for research and treatment of the virus. Both of these issues remind us of just how much is at stake in this election, and that the only candidates running for president who have the judgment and temperament to lead are Democrats.”

###



DELEGATES
67 Delegates and 5 Alternates:
40 District-level Delegates
13 At-large Delegates
7 Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials
7 Unpledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials

Pledged delegate allocation:  Clinton 37, Sanders 23.

Post-Primary Caucus and State Assembly:  June 25, 2016.

Delegates