Puerto Rico votes on status

Puerto Ricans vote tomorrow in a non-binding referendum on whether the Caribbean island should stay a US commonwealth, become the 51st state or become independent, AFP reports from San Juan.

A poll showed voters to be evenly divided between statehood and the status quo. Less than 6 per cent said they plan to vote for independence. It will be the first referendum since 1967 when the commonwealth option won, and campaigners for the three options appealed to patriotism and arguments about tax burdens, financial advantages and the benefits of US citizenship.