Digital Exhibit: Census 2020: Completing the 2020 Census

The Census is conducted every ten years, which is why it is called the decennial census. The census is the method that the government uses to keep track of our nation's population. This is important because the data that is collected from the census informs how we are all represented within our state government and the federal government. The amount of seats that a state has within the House of Representatives is determined by how many people are living there. The data is also used to decide where billions of dollars are going to be directed. For example, the census data helps determine funding amounts for schools, universities, hospitals, and more!  

After the 2010 census results were available, Washington State gained a representative in the House of Representatives. In fact, about every 20-30 years Washington State has gained a representative due to our population growth. The next step in the process is redistricting within the state. Redistricting happens whether a state gains or loses a representative, or keeps the number they had before. This is because redistricting is done in response to fluctuating population levels in each congressional district. So after the 2010 census results were available Washington added a congressional district and redrew the other districts in order to create fair and equal representation across the state. This process is by no means perfect, but it does help to balance out districts that have grown in population during the ten years between the census.