WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a US territory, the people of Guam cannot vote for president. The only time our island can participate in the elections is during the nominating process. This past week, delegates and leaders traveled all the way to the Windy City to participate in the Democratic National Convention. Guam News Now spoke with them on the convention floor. They share the excitement surrounding the DNC and what changes they would like to see for the island if Harris wins the White House.
In part of the ceremony at the DNC, there is a roll call vote where states and territories announce who their delegates are voting for in the democratic nominating process. Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero took the mic when it was Guam’s turn in the spotlight:
“I am the first female governor for our beautiful island of Guam, the home of the indigenous Chamorro people and where America’s day begins,” Gov. Guerrero announced to the DNC. “And we proudly cast our 12 votes to the next first female president of the United States of America!”
Leaders and delegates from Guam said they’re excited to participate in the 2024 DNC.
“This is my first convention,” said Guam delegate Peter Cruz. “The city is really cool there’s lots of fun things to do and of course there’s the convention.”
The convention, which is a formal nominating process for Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for US President, is pulling out all the stops to motivate voters and support Harris. People get to hear from well-known party leaders like President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton and more.
Some of the speeches focused on the future and hope for America.
“There’s hope for freedom and democracy and you know we are the only US territory or on US soil that lost democracy and freedom in World War II so we know what it’s like to not be able to have freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of education, freedom to take our kids or family wherever we want to go and peacefully and safely,” said Gov. Guerrero. “We are very, very excited this team [Harris-Walz] is going to be the team is going to continue to protect democracy and freedom.”
If Harris and Walz take the White House in November, these delegates have some ideas of what their administration could do for the island.
“I would like to see continued investments in some of the grants that we’re awarded during the Biden administration and continued support of the government of Guam through grant funding,” said Cruz.
“We would like them to see how we can vote for president,” said Gov. Guerrero. “Either a change in the constitution, an amendment. But also as you know we are on the forefront of defense for our people and our nation and we would continue to work with them in many, many ways and provide us with the federal resources to continue on the quality of life and they have so we would like to continue to have a great federal partnership and closer contact and relationship with the White House.”
