Should the US census include a question about citizenship?

A census is conducted every decade in the US. The next one is set for 2020. The census serves a number of purposes in addition to measuring population and demographic.

There is currently a debate about including a question regarding citizenship (essentially asking ‘are you a legal citizen of the US?” Yes/No).

To quote the DOJ: “This data is critical to the Department’s enforcement of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and its important protections against racial discrimination in voting,” the department said in a letter. “To fully enforce those requirements, the Department needs a reliable calculation of the citizen voting-age population in localities where voting rights violations are alleged or suspected.”

Supporters of including the question suggest say it will lead to an accurate count and help support areas in greater need of services that cater to that communities needs.

Those against the question say it will deter people from responding and people will worry about the information being used against them.

What do you think is the best way to get an accurate census?

-Include the question.

-Leave it off.

-Other Solution/Comment