Bernie Sanders Nabs Costa Rican Vote in Global Presidential Primary
Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders received massive support from U.S. voters living in Costa Rica in this week's Global Presidential Primary, which brought him closer to becoming the Democratic Party's nominee.
One hundred and thirty U.S. voters residing in Costa Rica supported the Vermont Senator in the global primary, putting him ahead of Hillary Clinton, who garnered 58 votes.
Citing Democrats Abroad Costa Rica Chairperson Kathy Rothschild, the partial results left Clinton and Sanders to face head-to-head with Martin O'Malley, who earned one vote before dropping out of the race.
However, Rothschild clarified that these results only reflected votes collected from five polling stations from "Super Tuesday" on March 1 to March 5, Saturday.
How the Global Presidential Primary Works
Democrats Abroad is hosting the 2016 Global Presidential Primary, which allows democrats living in different countries all over the world to select the "2016 Democratic Nominee for President of the United States," as stated by Democrats Abroad.
Voting can be done in person or via remote ballot, which requires an absentee voter to download the ballot and return it for counting.
Members of the party who reside overseas are welcome to do so here. The organization also provided instructions on how to activate a member's account via their website.
The poll does not only selects a nominee for the Democratic Party but determines if a candidate is supported by a significant number of their members.
"Presidential candidates are awarded delegates at the Democratic National Convention in proportion to their support in a state caucus or the number of votes received in a state primary. Any candidate receiving 15% or more of the primary votes cast in a Democratic presidential primary will be accorded delegates," the organization explained.
Sanders and his Platform for Latin Americans
Sanders' platforms include a promise of "fair and humane" immigration policies that would acknowledge the rights of immigrants who contributed to the American society as stated by Sanders' personal website.
Proud to be a son of an immigrant himself, Sanders promises to put an end to the injustice in the country that had been particularly harsh on border-crossers.
During his stay as a U.S. senator, Sanders has already supported a number of immigration legislations that provide fair treatment for immigrants, including a law known as "The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act."
"Our immigration policies must be consistent with our historical commitment to provide protection and due process to those fleeing violence and persecution. We must stand up for the rights of the powerless and extend proper legal protection to children and other vulnerable immigrants," he said in a statement in February.