US territories have a voice in Congress but no vote – here’s why

125 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that some territories belonged to the US but weren’t part of it. The reasoning was openly racist – and it still shapes how millions are represented in Congress.

By: Elliot Mamet, Princeton University and Austin Bussing, Trinity University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 4, 2026

Words: 1,016

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Elliot Mamet, Princeton University and Austin Bussing, Trinity University

As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, millions of Americans who live outside the 50 states are excluded from full participation in its democracy.

Roughly 3.6 million residents of U.S. territories – including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands – have no senators and only nonvoting representation in the House. These Americans, who can vote in presidential …

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