In the wake of COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau announced significant operational changes, including extending the self-response and door-to-door data collection until October 31, 2020.
In addition, the Bureau asked Congress for a four-month delay in delivering the census data used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives and political districts nationwide. This would delay the deadline for delivering redistricting data files to the states from April 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021. That would mean that the Texas Legislature could get final population figures for drawing new maps after the legislative session ends on May 31, 2021. Delivery of that data normally is completed by the end of March.
Such a delay would require Governor Abbott to convene a special session next year. If he does not, redistricting would go to the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB). Depending on the census count, Texas is expected to add three seats to the 36 it already has in the U.S. House of Representatives. If new maps have not been drawn in time for the 2020 election, any new seats would be elected at-large.
To date, San Antonio has a 46.2% response rate, which is in alignment with other big cities in Texas, with Austin at 48.7%, Houston at 41.9%, and Dallas at 43.1%. For populations greater than 1 million, Texas is ranked 40th in Self-Response rates nationally. San Antonio is ranked 4th nationally in self-response rates and 1st in Texas. Bexar County is ranked 4th in Texas.
Since the deadline to respond has been delayed, it is even more imperative to remember to self-respond, and it has never been easier. Self-response can be done by phone, mail or online. There are a variety of resources available across the county, including SABexarCountMeIn.org and the Chamber’s business resource completecountsa.com.
For more information about the response rate, check out the Bureau’s online response rates map. The map is updated every afternoon to reflect the self-response rate of the nation and of each state, county, city and census tract.
