2005 Puerto Rican unicameralism referendum

A referendum on how many chambers the Legislative Assembly should have was held in Puerto Rico on July 10, 2005. The proposed change to a unicameral legislature was supported by 83.94% of those voting, although voter turnout was just 22.58%.[1] However, another referendum would have to be held to approve the specific amendments to the constitution that are required for the change. The House of Representatives subsequently let the bill die, so the changes were not realised. Had the changes been approved, the legislature would have become unicameral from 2009 onwards.

2005 Puerto Rican unicameralism referendum
July 10, 2005
Referendum on preference between whether the Legislative Assembly should remain made up of two chambers or if it should change to a single chamber.
Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Change to a single chamber 464,010 83.95%
Remain as two chambers 88,733 16.05%
Valid votes 552,743 99.78%
Invalid or blank votes 1,212 0.22%
Total votes 553,955 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 2,453,292 22.58%
Politics of Puerto Rico
Constitution and law
Executive
Legislative
Judicial
Elections
Municipalities
Federal relations
Political status

Campaign

The Puerto Rican Independence Party supported the victorious "yes" vote in favor of one chamber. The Popular Democratic Party did not take an official stance on the matter, with its leadership supporting or opposing the measure. The New Progressive Party opposed the constitutional amendment under electoral review, but supported abstention from the vote.

Results
ChoiceVotes%
One chamber464,01083.95
Two chambers88,73316.05
Total552,743100.00
Valid votes552,74399.78
Invalid/blank votes1,2120.22
Total votes553,955100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,453,29222.58
Source: Direct Democracy

References
  1. Puerto Rico, 10 July 2005: Uni- or Bicameral system Direct Democracy (in German)
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