Counting Down to Census Day: April 1, 2020

This website provides information and updates on the Census to assist communities in planning for a complete and accurate 2020 Census count in North Carolina.

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Why is the Census Important to North Carolina?

Ensure Fair Political Representation Empower Communities Financially Support Community Planning and the Economy

N.C. is projected to gain a seat in Congress 2020 Census data will be used for redistricting.

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News & Updates

Jul, 19 2018

Submit a comment opposing the addition of the Citizenship question on the 2020 Census

Take Action: Submit a comment opposing the addition of the Citizenship question on the 2020 Census On March 26, 2018 the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. The addition of a citizenship question will significantly increase the cost of the 2020 Census, result in far less accurate data, and ultimately result in a loss of federal funds to North Carolina communities.
Apr, 5 2018 - The Chronicle

Duke professor advised Commerce Department to exclude citizenship question on census questionnaire

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross received advance warning that his plan to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census would stir controversy, according to a Duke professor who served on the Census Scientific Advising Committee.  D. Sunshine Hillygus, professor of political science and director of the Duke Initiative on Survey Methodology, said the committee sent Ross an official recommendation urging him to abandon the idea. Despite the committee’s suggestion, Ross announced on March 26 that the 2020 census would inquire about citizenship at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice. 
Apr, 4 2018 - NC Child

Asking parents about citizenship threatens programs for millions of kids

It’s a simple enough question: Are you a citizen of the United States? The motivation for the Census Bureau to ask about citizenship seems straightforward – just count the number of non-citizens in the US. Unfortunately like so many things that have to do with human behavior, it’s complicated. Many experts believe non-citizens will simply stop and not participate in the Census at all if it includes a citizenship question.
Apr, 3 2018 - The New York Times

How Trump’s Citizenship Question May Hurt the G.O.P.

Last week, the Trump administration decided that the next census would ask every person in the country about their citizenship. An uproar followed. Minority communities will bear the most immediate brunt; indeed, some believe that’s the very reason for the change. But the related assumption — that the decision benefits Republicans — may be strikingly myopic.
Apr, 3 2018 - ABC 11 Eyewitness News

North Carolina one of 17 states to sue US government over census question

North Carolina is one of seventeen states including the District of Columbia and six cities to sue the U.S. government Tuesday, saying the addition of a citizenship question to the census form is unconstitutional.    
Mar, 28 2018 - WRAL

Trump census question about citizenship could impact NC representation, federal funding, officials say

President Donald Trump wants to add an additional question to the 2020 Census: “Are you a citizen of the United States?" Some North Carolina officials and activists feel that putting a citizenship question on the U.S. census is a big deal that could impact participation.