What exactly is the proposed change to the census?
Its fairly simple: a question that asks participants whether theyre a citizen.
Whats so wrong with asking about citizenship status?
According to Lowenthal, skepticism of the Trump administration is the reason people might be discouraged to take part.
Wait, so Trump doesnt automatically have access to my census information?
Noat least not at this moment.
According to Lowenthal, this information is kept private within the Census Bureau.
Still, this wouldnt be the first time Trump hasallegedlyskirted the law to his own benefit.
Will this impact the 2020 election?
Not directly, no, but youll need some context.
As far as the 2020 election goes, this will not impact congressional seats.
Okay cool, so I dont have to worry about it then?
Well, yes, you do.
A citizenship question might very well change everything we know about the political landscape as it stands.
Worse, well be stuck with it for a while with no apparent way out.
What happens next?
Accordingly, Trump has reportedly asked lawyers to delay the census.
For obvious reasons, this could create logistical issues with the census scheduled to go out inMarch.
This story was published on 4/23/19 and updated on 6/27/19 with new information following the Supreme Courts ruling.
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