According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the apportionment calculation is based upon the total resident population (citizens and noncitizens) of the 50 states. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives additional guidance on conducting the Census. Basically, it says that all men 21 or older will be counted to determine representation in Congress, with a reduction in that count for anyone not allowed to vote.

This was subsequently changed by the 19th Amendment (allowing women to vote) and the 26th Amendment, which changed the voting age to 18.

I believe the intent of the Constitution is that it is my vote, or more appropriately, my right to vote, that should be counted for apportionment purposes rather than my residence. Voters, who must be citizens, are the only ones allowed to choose the representatives to Congress. The purpose of representatives to Congress is to represent my vote, not my residence. They are, in effect, voting for me by proxy and it is this proxy vote that should be apportioned.

If we count noncitizens in the apportionment process, my rights as a citizen are diminished or abridged, which is a clear violation of the 14th Amendment.

Sidney Sinclair

Clifton