At Sustainable Action Now, we believe that a truly democratic society hinges on fair and accurate representation. Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes the monumental task of counting every person in the nation, a process that directly shapes political power, resource allocation, and the very fabric of our communities for the next decade. However, a critical flaw in federal census policy continues to undermine this fundamental principle, particularly in states like Oregon: the practice of counting incarcerated individuals at the location of their prison, rather than their home communities.
This seemingly technical detail has profound implications, effectively breaking Oregon’s democracy and skewing its redistricting data. The good news? Oregon’s state lawmakers possess the power to rectify this imbalance for the 2030 Census and beyond.
The Unseen Distortion: Prisoners of the Census
The federal policy of counting incarcerated individuals where they are confined, rather than where they lived prior to incarceration, creates what we refer to as “Prisoners of the Census.” This isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a systemic issue that inflates the population counts of districts containing prisons, often rural areas, while simultaneously deflating the population of the urban and suburban communities from which most incarcerated individuals originate.
Imagine a district with a large correctional facility. Under current federal guidelines, thousands of individuals who cannot vote in that district, and who are not permanent residents there, are counted as part of its population. This artificial boost in numbers translates directly into increased political power for that district, granting it more legislative representation and a disproportionate share of resources. Meanwhile, the home communities of these individuals lose out, their true populations understated, and their political voice diminished. This practice fundamentally distorts the principle of “one person, one vote,” as the votes of residents in prison-hosting districts effectively carry more weight.
For a deeper dive into the broader implications of this issue, including the role of private prisons in this dynamic, we encourage you to visit our dedicated section on private prisons and their impact on fair representation.
Oregon’s Ongoing Challenge: The 2020 Census and Beyond
Oregon has experienced the detrimental effects of this policy firsthand. Following the 2020 Census, the state’s redistricting data was once again significantly skewed. This isn’t a new problem; it has persisted across multiple census cycles, consistently undermining the integrity of Oregon’s electoral maps. When districts are drawn based on inflated populations in prison towns and deflated populations elsewhere, the resulting legislative boundaries fail to accurately reflect the true distribution of the state’s residents and their diverse needs.
This distortion impacts everything from the allocation of state funds for schools and infrastructure to the very composition of the state legislature. It means that the voices of countless Oregonians are effectively silenced or diluted, as their elected representatives are chosen from districts that do not accurately represent their true constituency.
The Path Forward: State Lawmakers Can Fix It
While the federal census policy dictates where individuals are counted, states retain the authority to adjust these numbers for their own redistricting purposes. This means Oregon’s state lawmakers have a clear path to fix this issue for 2030.
The solution is straightforward: implement legislation that requires incarcerated individuals to be counted at their last known home address for the purpose of state and local redistricting. This approach, already adopted by several other states, ensures that political power remains tied to actual communities, preserving the integrity of the “one person, one vote” principle. By reallocating these individuals to their home districts, Oregon can ensure that its legislative maps accurately reflect the state’s population distribution, leading to more equitable representation and a stronger democracy.
Taking this action would demonstrate Oregon’s commitment to genuine democratic principles and fair representation for all its citizens. It would ensure that the next round of redistricting in 2030 is based on accurate data, fostering a more just and representative political landscape for every community across the state.
A Call to Action for a More Just Democracy
The time for action is now. Sustainable Action Now urges Oregon’s state lawmakers to prioritize legislation that addresses the “Prisoners of the Census” issue. By ensuring that incarcerated individuals are counted in their home communities for redistricting purposes, Oregon can uphold the fundamental tenets of democracy, strengthen the voice of every citizen, and pave the way for a more equitable and representative future. Let’s work together to ensure that Oregon’s democracy truly reflects its people.
