Census data and the work it requires

In spite of last year’s difficulties, I hope you all responded to the 2020 Census. A correct count of our population is important for several reasons. The number determines how we’re represented in national, state, and local government; and the amount of federal funding we receive for roads, schools, housing, and social programs. It’s also used by retail and industry when they’re making decisions about new business locations.


COVID-19 affected the Census Bureau’s schedule, and we won’t know local population numbers until September or October. There are a few things we do know, however, and county government is preparing for the work the final numbers will require.


Census counts for each state were delivered to the President April 26, 2021. These numbers are used for reapportionment, or the process of determining how the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives (a number set by our constitution) are divided among the states.

The census was created for this purpose.
Tennessee is one of 37 states keeping the same number of U.S. House seats for the next ten years – nine representatives in our case. Our population grew by 8.49% (541,466) from 2010 to 2020: 6,375,431 to 6,916,897. Based on traffic from Lawrence County north, I would’ve guessed more.


It’s interesting to see the population shifts that caused gains and losses in other states. Seven are losing a seat: California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Five are gaining one: North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Montana, and Oregon. Texas is gaining two.


Redistricting takes place after all census data is released and involves the actual drawing of the district boundaries for representatives at every level. Sophisticated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to divide states and counties into areas with equal numbers of residents. Even though Tennessee’s number of U.S. House seats didn’t change, district lines will be redrawn to make them equal in population size. Exact equality is impossible, but law requires the margin of error be less than 10 percent.


Our state legislature is responsible for drawing new lines for congressional districts, state house and senate seats. County Commissioners will approve redistricting based on population shifts in Lawrence County. You could find yourself voting in a different district in the 2022 General Election, but that is yet to be determined.
Although our population data will arrive late, the deadline for redistricting remains January 1, 2022.

Thankfully, we have help in this process from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS).
State Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower has urged legislative bodies to be ready when Census numbers arrive. “I strongly suggest that county leaders begin to establish redistricting committees and review their current districts. This year, more than ever before, counties must be proactive to help ensure a smooth redistricting process under the deadline.”


As a first step we have established a Redistricting Committee for Lawrence County: Administrator of Elections Tanya White and Commissioners Scott Franks (chair), Aaron Story (vice-chair), Rick Skillington, Alanna Harris, Shane Eaton, John Bradley, Phillip Heatherly, and Chris Jackson.

 


 

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