Today, the U.S. Census Bureau will release population data from the 2020 Census in an easy-to-use format for Americans who want to advocate for fair maps in this year’s redistricting cycle. The new format of the data will be made available to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and will be key to increasing participation in the ongoing redistricting efforts.

The Census data release is one of the most important days for American democracy. With this information, states and localities can begin the redistricting process that will shape our elections for the next ten years. The Census data will provide the information our communities need to draw fair maps and ensure everyone is represented in our government.

On this day 56 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law, with Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at his side. Congress passed the legislation in response to a broad and diverse coalition of civil rights advocates’ unrelenting calls for stronger voting rights protections.