Twelve of the 13 colonies voted for independence in the Lee Resolution.
The resolution was introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. It declared that the United Colonies should be free and independent states, ending their political connection with Great Britain.
New York abstained because its delegation had not yet received authorization from the colony’s provincial government. New York later approved independence, allowing the Declaration of Independence to be adopted by the full Congress on July 4.
The distinction between July 2 and July 4 is important. July 2 was the date Congress formally voted for independence, while July 4 was the date Congress approved the explanatory Declaration. Independence Day commemorates the latter date, which became central to the America250 observance.