Nearly 250 years ago, the United States Government opted to conduct what is known as a census. Through their efforts, researchers were able to determine how many people lived in the country, examine the racial makeup of the nation and calculate the population within each state. From there, lawmakers began using this information to determine representation in Congress, allocation of federal funds and much. To this day, the United States conducts a census nearly every decade. With the 2010s wrapping up at the top of last year, the United States has unveiled the results of the most recent census. As it always does, the most recent census will have far-reaching effects on national politics and local communities.
Seven States Lost Electoral Votes, Six States Gained Electoral Votes
As previously stated, the United States Census determines representation and outcomes at the federal level. When population counts increase or decrease, votes in the electoral college can be gained or lost. In this most recent census, population decreases have led to the loss of one electoral college in New York Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and West Virginia. On the other end of things, five states gained one electoral college vote and Texas gained two electoral college votes. As it relates to the presidential election in 2024, four of the seven states that lost an electoral college vote were blue states. Four of the six states that gained electoral college votes were red in the last election. However, it is important to note that Democratic voters can move from blue states to red states and change the dynamics of a particular location.
Texas Gained Two Seats In The House Of Representatives
As mentioned previously, Texas gained two electoral college votes. This change equates to an increased representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Aside from Georgia, Texas proved to be one of the more intriguing states to watch on election night in November. Heading into the 2024 Election, Democrats believe they may have a shot to win the state for the first time since Jimmy Carter did it in 1976. At a state level, Texas is also home to some of the most restrictive voting laws in the nation. As economic and racial demographics shift within the Lone Star State, it is likely that the faces that represent the state will change.
Washington, D.C.'s Population Grew By Nearly 15%
The nation's capital experienced a 14.6% jump in population. A growing population is one of the many reasons activists are pushing for D.C. statehood. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the district to become a state, but the bill is likely to stall in the Senate. In the event it does get through the Senate, Washington, D.C. would gain representation in Congress. It would also become the first state with a plurality of Black residents.
Southern Population Grew By 10.2%
The South is now the fastest-growing region in the United States. Over the last decade, the region's population has grown by 10.2%. In contrast, the West has lost approximately 9% of its population. This has led to a population decrease in the country's third-largest state. Meanwhile, states like Alabama have gained nearly 100,000 new residents.
Impact Of COVID-19 Is Still Unclear
The United States Census stopped collecting data in April of last year. As a result, people who were alive on April 1, but have died of COVID-19 since then were counted in the Census. This may or may not create for confusion when examining this set of data. Still, there are ways to use public data to make rough estimations in light of the pandemic.
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