The court is expected to reach a decision by March. The Census Bureau agrees. Adjusting the census results to include sampling is the best way to get an accurate count of all groups, says Census Bureau Undersecretary Robert J. Shapiro, adding that minorities and urban residents are more likely to be missed by the national population count. Because the undercount affects some groups more than others, it's so vital to have an accurate count. The Supreme Court must now decide whether to reverse two lower-court rulings that bar use of statistical methods to adjust the census figures.
Opponents also argue that sampling to lead to an even more inaccurate count.
This is not the first time the high court has been asked to consider changes to the census. Two years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the 1990 census results did not need to be adjusted even though minorities were undercounted. Advocates for the plan believe, however, that including the undercount in the next census will help make minority groups a stronger political force. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.