US COVID-19 census delays will mean party battles

Significance

The US census is conducted every ten years. The survey contributes to public allocation of resources and determines how many US House of Representatives seats each state has. Although online, telephone and mail-in responses are ongoing, the census still requires face-to-face interviews and events.

Impacts

• The 2020 census will still be susceptible to systemic factors that produce undercounting, impairing public policy effectiveness.
• Areas with minorities, poverty, poor internet access and college towns are at greater risk of undercounting.
• Republican presidential candidates could benefit from likely 2020-21 seat reapportionments from 2024.