Protect Our Count
Protect Our Count: Stay Informed
The Public Comment Period Has Closed
The public comment period for the proposed 2030 Census rule changes ended on November 2, 2026. Thank you to everyone who took the time to learn about the proposals, share information, and make their voices heard.
While the comment period has ended, the process is not over. NC Counts Coalition will continue monitoring developments and sharing information about what these proposed changes could mean for North Carolina and the communities we serve.
What’s happening
Update: November 3, 2026
The public comment period for the proposed 2030 Census rule changes has officially closed. The proposals remain under consideration, and NC Counts Coalition will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more information becomes available.
The U.S. Census Bureau has proposed changes to the 2030 Census that could affect who is counted towards congressional representation, where they are counted, how administrative records are used, and what questions are asked on the Census. These changes could affect North Carolina’s representation in Congress, billions of dollars in federal funding, and the data nonprofits rely on to serve their communities.
Not counting people doesn’t erase their needs. It only makes those needs harder to find and address.
What’s being proposed
- Fewer people counted for representation. Only U.S. citizens and green card holders would count toward congressional seats, leaving out international students, temporary workers, families with humanitarian protections, and other people who live in North Carolina.
- A new way to decide where people live. People could be counted based on where tax records place them, with no specific rules for college students, nursing home residents, or people experiencing homelessness.
- No race or ethnicity questions. These questions would be removed from the census form, making it harder to identify and address disparities.
- A possible immigration-status question. The Census Bureau is also considering adding a question about legal immigration status to the 2030 Census questionnaire, but no such question has been approved.
- Prohibit questions about sexual orientation. While past censuses have not asked about sexual orientation, the proposed rule would prevent the Census Bureau from adding these questions in the future.
Why Community Voices Matter
Throughout the public comment period, individuals, organizations, and community advocates had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the proposed 2030 Census changes.
These perspectives are important because Census decisions affect more than population numbers. They help shape political representation, federal funding, and the information communities rely on to identify needs and plan for the future.
As the federal rulemaking process continues, NC Counts Coalition remains committed to keeping communities informed, advocating for a fair and accurate count, and ensuring that the voices, needs, and experiences of historically undercounted communities remain at the forefront of the conversation.
What Happens Next?
With the public comment period closed, the next phase of the federal rulemaking process involves reviewing and considering the comments received. The Census Bureau may revise the proposals before issuing a final decision.
The proposed changes are not yet final.
NC Counts Coalition will continue following the process and sharing updates to help North Carolinians understand potential implications for their communities.
Resources
- Download the Fact Sheet → A plain-language overview of the proposed changes, what’s at stake for North Carolina, and suggested comment topics.
- Download the Protect Our Count Toolkit → Educational materials and shareable resources to help organizations and communities understand the proposed 2030 Census rule changes, raise awareness, and share accurate information.
- Read the Proposed Rule → The official notice in the Federal Register.
- View the Comment Writing Guide → Our Comment Writing Guide walks you through what to include. It has a sample comment to show you how it all fits together, but please don’t submit it as is. The Census Bureau reviews what comments say, not how many are sent, so a comment written in your own words about your own community carries far more weight than the same letter submitted over and over.
- Review the Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis (PRIA) → The Bureau’s preliminary analysis of the proposed rule’s costs and benefits. It acknowledges that removing race and ethnicity questions would reduce the accuracy of data used for funding formulas, public health, and planning, and it asks the public to explain how census data is used in their communities.
- Framing Tips from the Framework Institute → Our Demographic GPS: How to Talk About Why Census Questions Matter.
- The Census Counts Coalition → Resources, action guides, comment templates, and additional information on the proposed 2030 Census changes.
- Explore Hands Off Our Census → A nonpartisan consortium bringing together census, data, and policy experts to provide resources, analysis, and updates on the proposed Census rule changes.
Stay connected
The public comment period may be over, but our work to support a fair and accurate 2030 Census continues. Stay connected with NC Counts Coalition for updates on the proposed rule changes, developments in the federal rulemaking process, and opportunities to stay informed and engaged as we prepare for 2030.
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In the news
Read the press release → Press Release 9.18.2026
NC Newsline → Census changes proposed by Trump administration put accuracy, money for NC at risk, critics say
WFAE → Proposed U.S. Census changes could affect NC representation and funding
Blue Ridge Public Radio → Proposed Census changes could lead to consequences from NC undercount, experts say
Hoodline Charlotte → Census Overhaul Could Reshape North Carolina’s Political Clout
The News & Observer → Proposed census rules could change how many North Carolinians are counted
The Daily Tar Heel → Proposed U.S. Census changes raise concerns over representation, funding in North Carolina
Media inquiries
Reporters, contact Tracy Mosley at tracy@nccounts.org (English Media) or
Maru Quintero at maru@nccounts.org (Spanish Media)
Last updated: November 3, 2026
