Take Action: Oppose Proposed Changes to the 2030 Census

10/2/26

The United States Census Bureau has set forth proposed changes for the 2030 Census that affect who gets counted and what demographic information is collected on the census questionnaire. 

The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires counting the "whole number of persons in each State," which the U.S. Census Bureau has traditionally interpreted to mean every person living in the country on Census Day, regardless of citizenship or legal status. An accurate count of persons living in each community is essential as the Census numbers are used to determine Congressional representation, redistricting, federal funding for Medicaid, schools, roads, senior services, business and economic planning, and voting rights.

The proposed changes:

  • Would exclude those who are present in the United States but are not citizens or do not have lawful permanent resident status by including a question about immigration status.

  • Would change the prior residence criteria of usual residence as of April 1 to now include a “census enumeration period” from January 3 to April 1 with a tax records test for where you live.

  • Would eliminate demographic questions about race and ethnicity, and ban any future questions about sexual orientation.

There is time to speak out and oppose these changes. The Bureau is accepting public comments through November 2.

The comment you provide should be specific, personal and in your own words. We've compiled some points to consider in your comment.


 

Sign up to get our Action Alerts on your phone!

Use the League in Action app to take action on issues impacting Illinois communities—here’s how to sign up:

  1. Download the app on your cell phone (available via the App Store and Google Play)

  2. Sign in with your Google or Facebook account, or create an account with your email

  3. Search for the League of Women Voters Illinois on the app and click the Join button

  4. Scroll through the feed to see all of the ways you can support LWV's efforts

 
Action AlertGuest User