The 2020 Census and the Potential Impact of the Citizenship Question

League of Women Voters St. Louis Park and the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission held a panel discussion of the possible effects the citizenship question on the 2020 Census. The Census--required by the U.S. Constitution--occurs every 10 years and is used for apportionment of members of Congress, apportionment of Electoral College votes, population counts for redrawing voting districts, and the allocation of Federal resources.

It is essential that all persons residing in the U.S. complete the Census. For more on why the Census is so essential, why including a citizenship question might suppress the count, and what St. Louis Park in particular is doing to prepare for the Census and to ensure full participation, watch the video of the panel discussion. 

The Panel

  • Stephanie Boucher, representing the demographers office
  • Nadia Roife, immigration attorney
  • Sean Walther, SLP city staff

Representing LWV SLP

  • Deb Brinkman
  • Barb Person

Who is counted?

  • persons in prison
  • the homeless
  • snowbirds (older people who leave MN for the winter)
  • College students
  • children including those 5 and under
  • Persons who may not be fluent in English
  • Everyone residing in the US at the time of the Census

Who can help others complete the Census?

  • Anyone can help others. 
  • The Census can be completed online
  • A printed copy will be sent out.
  • MN is also hiring temporary census workers for as much as $20.00 an hour. Persons with skills in languages other than English are especially wanted.
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