Census 2020: Understanding the Stakes and Importance of Participation

Explore the critical issues surrounding the 2020 US Census in this 46-minute talk from The Aspen Institute. Delve into the challenges posed by budget cuts, changes in race categorization, proposals to count only American citizens, and the shift to digital implementation. Examine the potential consequences of these changes on the accuracy of the count and their impact on democracy. Learn about the risks of undercounting certain populations, particularly immigrants and racial minorities. Gain insights from speakers David Leonhardt and Arturo Vargas as they discuss congressional representation, the Voting Rights Act, and the importance of the Partnership Program. Understand the complexities of the citizenship question and its implications. Discover strategies for addressing undercounting, messaging to diverse communities, and navigating the conflicting views surrounding this crucial democratic process. Reflect on the lessons learned and the hope for an accurate and inclusive census despite the challenges.