In the results last night, I noticed American Samoa, and it got me thinking...

[mcscajun]

US Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) all have primary/caucus contests for the presidential nominations of both parties. They send delegates to the nominating conventions, yet cannot vote for the candidate in the general.

I'm not questioning why residents of US Territories cannot vote in the general, but why they get to send delegates to the nominating convention? Can anyone explain how or why this came to be?

Can citizens in U.S. Territories vote for President?

No, the Electoral College system does not provide for residents of U.S. Territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa to vote for President. Unless citizens in U.S. Territories have official residency (domicile) in a U.S. State or the District of Columbia (and vote by absentee ballot or travel to their State to vote), they cannot vote in the Presidential election. Note that prior to the adoption of the 23rd Amendment, DC residents could not vote in the Presidential election.

The political parties may authorize voters in primary elections in Territories to select delegates to represent them at the political party conventions. But that process does not affect the Electoral College system.

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html#territories

[Eurobabe]

1. But Democrats Abroad can, we will vote in the GE

and we have 22 delegates going to Denver. :hi:

Check out the 9 photos of Democrats voting in the Global Primary:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-super_tuesday08_world-pg,0,2129897.photogallery?index=1

[mcscajun]

2. Yes, I noticed that too. I didn't even know about DA until I saw y'all

in the results last night. I love that you have a collective voice now; you have an unique perspective on America and American politics. :thumbsup:

:hi:

[Eurobabe]

3. I am trying to see if they have any polls

for us, stay tuned. We have a Yahoo group and there was alot of bad blood between the Clinton and Obama camps. Not much unlike DU. :(