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1975 Northern Mariana Islands status referendum

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A referendum on becoming a US commonwealth was held in the Northern Mariana Islands on 17 June 1975.[1] The proposal was approved by 79% of voters.[1] As a result, the United States Congress approved the change of status on 24 March 1976.[1]

Background

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Four previous referendums on either integration with Guam or the islands' status had been held in 1958, 1961, 1963 and 1969. On each occasion a majority of Northern Mariana Islands voters had been in favor of integration with Guam, but Guamanian voters rejected integration in a 1969 referendum.

On 20 February 1975 the Northern Marianas' District Legislature put forward proposals to become a US commonwealth.[1] A threshold of 55% in favor was set in order for the referendum to pass.[1]

Results

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Choice Votes %
For 3,945 78.82
Against 1,060 21.18
Invalid/blank votes 4
Total 5,009 100
Registered voters/turnout 5,379 93.12
Source: Direct Democracy

See also

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References

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