Mapping the Political Ramifications of a Census Citizenship Question

The Supreme Court heard opening arguments Department of Commerce v. New York this week.

1 minute read

April 24, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Supreme Court

flysnowfly / Shutterstock

Social Explorer has created a new interactive tool to illustrate the potential impact of a proposed a citizenship question can be added to the 2020 Census.

"The online tool uses population data from the 2010 Census and citizenship data from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey to demonstrate the way districts would need to be redrawn for Congress and State Legislatures," according to a post announcing the new tool. "Currently, all congressional districts are drawn based upon total population and are equal in size, but legislators in Texas, Arizona, Missouri and Nebraska would like to change that and use either the number of citizens or the number of eligible voters (called Citizens of Voting Age)."

Social Explorer released the new interactive tool the day before opening arguments in the Supreme Court case Department of Commerce v. New York.

Michael Wines provides follow up news coverage of the new interactive tool, with further analysis of the potential impact of the Supreme Court ruling, which is expected to be decided in June 2019.

Monday, April 22, 2019 in Social Explorer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 4, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Sun rising over downtown Los Angeles with tall palm trees visible in foreground. Image is bright orange-red indicating extreme heat.

LA County Creating Action Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat

Los Angeles County is creating a Heat Action Plan to help communities stay safe during extreme heat, with steps like adding more shade, improving buildings, and supporting the neighborhoods most at risk.

June 9 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Small silver car driving over wide soeed cushion on asphalt road.

Maryland Plans Quick-Build Complete Streets Projects

The state will use low-cost interventions to improve road safety in five Maryland counties.

June 9 - Fox Baltimore

Nighttime view of downtown Los Angeles through arches of new 6th Street Viaduct.

Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth

A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.

June 9 - Los Angeles Downtown News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.