The Time Has Come: Territorial Representation in Congress

Opinion by William Parkinson for Kandit News & Views

For far too long, the people of the United States territories have been left without a full voice in Congress. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett’s recent remarks made the news emphasizing that our people, the people of the U.S. territories, serve in the military and contribute to the strength and prosperity of this nation. Yet we are denied the most fundamental right in a democracy—representation.

For years, opponents of granting full voting rights to territorial delegates have argued that it would tip the balance of power toward Democrats. But the facts no longer support that claim. Today, the majority of territorial delegates are Republicans. Guam’s Delegate, Jim Moylan, along with the Northern Mariana Islands’ Delegate and American Samoa’s Delegate, all represent the Republican Party. Including them in the vote would not upset the balance—it would stabilize and strengthen the Republican majority in the House, particularly under the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson, who was elected by the narrowest of margins.

 

For decades, the territories have been sidelined, treated as second-class citizens in a nation that prides itself on equality and liberty. Now, with a potential Republican president, Senate, and House on the horizon, and an all-Republican delegation from the Pacific territories, this is the perfect time to push for territorial voting rights.

 

And as a Democrat, let me say this: I would be proud to work alongside Republicans to make this happen. This is not a partisan issue at all, it’s about ensuring that no citizen is denied a voice in the decisions that govern their lives. When we set aside our differences and work together for the common good, we can achieve great things.

 

If my Republican colleagues are ready to take this step, they will find an eager partner in me. I am prepared to work shoulder-to-shoulder with them to advocate for territorial voting rights. The question is no longer if we should act—it’s when. And the answer is now.

 

As we stand on the precipice of America’s projection into the Indo-Pacific amidst rising geopolitical tensions, it is more critical than ever that our people have a voice in the decisions that will impact our safety, our security, and our future. We bear the burden of heightened tensions with China, increased militarization, and the ever-present reality of being a potential target in any conflict.

Territorial delegates must be given full voting rights to ensure that the voices of those who live at the intersection of these challenges are heard. This is a matter of fairness, security, and the promise of democracy fulfilled. Let’s act now to ensure that no American—no matter where they live—is left behind.

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William Parkinson is a member of the Guam Legislature.