SIGN NOW: We’re fighting for an America where all of us should count – in our Census and in our democracy >>

John, President Trump took a lot of scary actions this week.  

I’m writing to alert you to one that went under the radar, but could have devastating long-term consequences: rigging the U.S. Census to undermine our right to fair representation in our government. [1]

By law, the Census has to count everyone who lives here – that's how we know where to build schools and fire stations and how to draw fair legislative maps. But for years, the far-right has been trying to count only citizens (instead of everyone who calls America home) effectively picking and choosing who counts to serve their political agenda.  

It’s a blatant violation of our Constitution and centuries of precedent. And it’s a clear attempt to deny our communities the resources we need and the political representation we deserve.

We can’t let it stand. With your help, Common Cause stopped this exact same plot during Trump’s first term – but now that he’s back in office, we need your help to stop him again. [2]

This is bigger than the 2030 Census – we need to take action to defend the principle of multi-racial democracy itself. If you agree that EVERY one of us should count in our democracy, please join me in speaking out right now >>

SIGN THE PETITION

The 14th Amendment is clear: representation depends on “counting the whole number of persons in each state.” [2] That’s why we’re hopeful that Trump’s clearly unconstitutional executive order will be blocked in court – just like his last effort to rig the Census was.

But Trump’s actions this week show that this fight is about something far bigger. Between this and his attack on birthright citizenship, it’s clear Trump is using his second term to declare an all-out war against a fundamental principle we should all agree on: equal representation.

It all goes back to the plan Common Cause uncovered in the personal memos of GOP redistricting strategist Thomas Hofeller – who advocated for counting only voting-age citizens and excluding children and non-citizens. [3]

Why? Take it from Hofeller himself: counting this way would specifically advantage “Republicans and Non-Hispanic Whites” with more public resources and more political representation than their fair share – and cut everyone else out of decisions that affect us all. [3]

If Donald Trump and his administration want to come after the ideas that make us American – fairness, justice, and equality before the law – then Common Cause is ready to speak up and act in their defense. Will you stand with us and condemn Trump’s attacks on equal representation?

Thanks for all you do,

Keshia Morris Desir, Justice & Democracy Manager
and the team at Common Cause

P.S. Check out our website to learn more about Trump’s Executive Order Rolling Back Census Protections and Trump's Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship.