The Phenomenon of Puerto Rican Voting

Book excerpt: "This book will be useful to political scientists, political sociologists, and scholars of Latino and Puerto Rican studies. . . . [It makes] a contribution to voting studies while dispelling one of the most damaging myths about Puerto Ricans in the U.S. as well--namely, that their low level of electoral participation is a function of their culture."--Jose E. Cruz, State University of New York, Albany Puerto Ricans participate in elections at a far higher rate than voters in the United States, even though their election systems are similar. Why? Timely and intriguing, this study compares factors affecting voter turnout in both countries, offering lessons for political mobilization in the United States. Puerto Rico has virtually the same voting institutions as the United States; furthermore, most of the island's constitutional and legal arrangements are hostile to voting turnout. Yet voting behavior in Puerto Rico is radically different from its mainland counterpart. Combining both quantitative and qualitative analysis of data from the 1952-2000 electoral period, the author uncovers two important electoral differences that explain this bewildering phenomenon: the way political parties operate and the way people get involved in politics. He shows that Puerto Rican parties are stronger and more disciplined than American parties, with roots that go deeper into society. In addition, he says, "Puerto Rican culture apparently relates to elections with more passion and devotion than American culture. The campaign environment is much more 'carnivalesque' and festive than in the United States, thus adding to voting mobilization." His study casts doubts on the influence of some institutional and legal arrangements on voting turnout, and it highlights the importance of political parties and mobilization. On a note of caution, he points out that voter participation in Puerto Rico has steadily decreased since 1976. This trend debunks some of the myths about the island's voting turnout rate and could force Puerto Ricans to reevaluate their electoral system. He also predicts that the high level of electoral involvement of Puerto Rico may be coming to an end. Both accessible and complex, the book will be of interest to the general public and political analysts; it will also be valuable to scholars studying voter turnout, Puerto Rican politics, or the politics of Puerto Ricans and other Latinos living on the U.S. mainland. Luis Raul Camara Fuertes is assistant professor of political science at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan.