A referendum on the status of the Northern Mariana Islands was held on 5 February 1961.[1] Although 65% of voters supported integration with Guam, the United States did not integrate the islands.[1]
The 1961 referendum was organized by the local Parliament, as members wished to integrate with Guam.[1] It was held prior to a March visit by a United Nations commission checking on the conditions of the UN trust territories.[1]Rota was in a different district at the time, and could not vote.[2]
The Carolinian community held a poll opposed to integration. Both results were given to the UN mission upon its arrival, but neither affected the mission's stance that the area needed greater self-reliance.[2] Later referendums were held in 1963 and 1969.