Every 10 years our government must comply with one of the few mandates of the founding fathers. Article One, Section Two of the Constitution mandates regular, nonpartisan censuses to empower all Americans. This important section in the Constitution is not only the basis of equal representation but is the foundation for understanding who we are as a country.
As of October 15, 2020, the counting portion of the 2020 Census is complete. However, our work is not done. Because this census was shaped by a number of unforeseen events, a global pandemic, undue political influence, and horrible natural disasters that interrupted and delayed Census Bureau operations — we must ensure the quality of census results and that every person is counted.
Partisan politicians launched a systematic assault on the fairness and accuracy of the 2020 Census.
First, the administration tried to dramatically underfund this crucial initiative.
Second, they tried to add an unnecessary, and potentially intimidating question on citizenship status to the 2020 Census form.
Then, they pushed to exclude noncitizens from apportionment counts that decide Congressional representation for the next decade.
ALL of these efforts have failed thanks to the advocacy of everyday Americans who are demanding a fair census count.
Now, Americans must remain vigilant as the data that will shape our futures is tabulated. Census responses are key to our nation’s government, public policy, and budgets for an entire decade. The data we gather determines everything from congressional district maps to local resource allocation — like school funding, the number of firehouses in our neighborhoods, and highway and road repair budgets.
People of color, particularly Black, Latino and Native American communities in both urban and rural areas, are at an especially high risk of being missed by the census — which translates to unequal representation along racial lines.
Everyone wants their voice to be heard and to know that their vote counts in selecting the people and policies that will determine the future of our families and communities. That’s why Common Cause members are stepping up and speaking out to demand a fair and accurate Census — to ensure that we can all have an equal say.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and counting operations extending into October, the Census Bureau is not able to meet statutory deadlines to deliver apportionment and redistricting data counts. Common Cause is fully supportive of the Census Bureau taking the time it needs to ensure the quality of census results and that every American the census.