Demographic experts reported this week that Missouri stands to lose one of its nine congressional districts — and a lack of response by Missourians to the U.S. Census may be to blame.
Election Data Services, a Manassas, Va.-based non-partisan consulting firm specializing in reapportionment and redistricting since 1977, released estimates Sept. 26 that showed Missouri was shy of the mark needed to retain its seat by a mere 36,723 people.
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