Decennial Census of Population and Housing

The 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program provides states the opportunity to delineate voting districts and to suggest census block boundaries for use in the 2020 Census redistricting data tabulations (Public Law 94-171 Redistricting Data File). In addition, the Redistricting Data Program will periodically collect state legislative and congressional district boundaries if they are changed by the states. The program is also responsible for the effective delivery of the 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data prior to April 1st, 2021, one year from census day. The program ensures continued dialogue with the states in regard to 2020 Census planning, thereby allowing states ample time for their planning, response, and participation.

• Phase 1 - Block Boundary Suggestion Project
• Phase 2 - Voting District Project
• Phase 3 - Delivery of the 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data Files and Geographic Products
• Phase 4 - Collection of Post-2020 Census Redistricting Plans
• Phase 5 - Evaluation of the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program and Recommendations for 2030

The Block Boundary Suggestion Project, Phase 1 of the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program, provides states the opportunity to submit their suggestions for the 2020 Census tabulation block inventory. Suggestions are made by designating the desirability of linear features for use as 2020 Census tabulation block boundaries. In addition, states have the opportunity to submit suggested legal boundary updates as well as updates to other geographic areas. These actions allow states to construct some of the small area geography they need for legislative redistricting. Participation in Phase 1 of the Redistricting Data Program is conducted through the non-partisan liaison designated by each state. Phase 1 is conducted in two parts, an initial identification of the updates needed, and a verification stage to ensure the suggested updates were accurately applied.

BBSP Schedule

• Initial Identification of Updates -- December 2015 through May 31, 2016
• Verification of Updates -- December 2016 through May 31, 2017

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The Voting District Project, Phase 2 of the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program, provides states the opportunity to submit their voting districts (ex. wards, precincts, etc.) for inclusion in the 2020 Census Redistricting Data tabulations (P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data). In addition, states have the opportunity to submit suggested legal boundary updates as well as updates to other geographic areas. These actions allow states to construct some of the small area geography they need for legislative redistricting. Participation in Phase 2 of the Redistricting Data Program is conducted through the non-partisan liaison designated by each state. Phase 2 is conducted in three parts. The first two parts are an initial identification of the voting districts and a verification stage to ensure the suggested updates were accurately applied. The third stage is an additional round of verification, for those states participating in the first two stages, to further review and adjust the voting districts.

VTD Schedule

• Initial Identification of Updates -- December 2017 through May 31, 2018 (COMPLETED)
• Verification of Updates -- December 2018 through May 31, 2019
• Verification of Updates II -- December 2019 through March 31, 2020 (only available to states participating in the initial updates and first round of verification)

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For Phase 3 – Data Delivery, the Director of the Census Bureau will, in accordance with 13 U.S.C. 141(c), furnish the Governor and state legislative leaders, both the majority and minority, with 2020 Census population counts for standard census tabulation areas (e.g., state, Congressional district, state legislative district, American Indian area, county, city, town, census tract, census block group, and census block) regardless of a state’s participation in Phase 1 or 2. In addition, for those states participating in Phase 2, standard census tabulation will be provided for voting districts. For each state, this delivery will occur prior to general release and no later than April 1, 2021.

As a lesson learned from past decennial censuses, it is vital that the Census Bureau produce a prototype product to illustrate what the states can expect from the decennial census.  This prototype is used to build and test systems in advance of the official data release so that states can begin work immediately, as many have short statutory deadlines that begin with the receipt of their data.

We are using the prototype data product to illustrate and solicit feedback on what the 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data File will look like and how it addresses the needs of the states for their legislative redistricting requirements. If substantive changes are needed to the 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data File design based on comments received regarding this prototype, then an additional Federal Register Notice explaining those differences will be issued.

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For more information regarding the 2020 Redistricting Data Program, please:

• Call the Redistricting Data Program staff at (301) 763-4039.
• Refer to the Federal Register Notice, Establishment of the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program.
• Or read Designing P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data for the Year 2020 Census - The View From the States, the evaluation of the 2010 Census Redistricting Data Program and the recommendations from the States for the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program