2020 Census Update: Representatives and Response Rates

The U.S. Constitution requires that the country count its population once every 10 years. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the count and apportions a number of congressional districts for each state based on the count. State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible for drawing each congressional district and each district is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives. Based on the 2010 Census, California was apportioned 53 congressional districts because it had the largest population. New York was apportioned 27 congressional districts and it currently has 27 of the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. An “at-large” congressional district is apportioned for states with smaller populations, such as: Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, to ensure representation in the House. The apportionment of congressional districts will continue to adjust as the U.S. population changes. Likewise, funding decisions about schools, roads, healthcare, and other services for families, older adults, and children will also change. Funding is related to the count. A low count equals less money and a high count equals more money. Check the Census 2020 Response Rates List and compare the number of responses submitted by your city/town/village with the other municipalities. If you haven’t filled out the 2020 U.S. Census for your household, it’s not too late. Respond online (https://my2020census.gov), by phone (1-844-330-2020), or by mailing back the census form. (Publish 05.31.2020)