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2020 Census Pledge

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***Click here to sign the pledge to be counted in the 2020 U.S. census***

Every 10 years, every resident in the United States is counted, providing valuable statistics and information about the status of our communities, and our country. The census counts our population and households, distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities' vital programs.

Why Does It Matter?

Census data shape the future of our community and future generations. Census data determine our political power, representation in congress, and funding for education, transportation, healthcare, and so much more.

  • Fair Representation & Political Power– Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets. The results are also used for redistricting which is designed to ensure that Congress and state legislatures are representative of the communities they serve.

  • Funding in Our Community – The results of the census are used to support federal funding in our community. Federal funding supports programs that are crucial to the well-being of all families, including health, transportation, education, senior centers, public safety and housing. 

How does the Census benefit working people?
Resources benefit everyone in our community and include good union jobs in areas such as the medical industry, trades, and public sector. The better we are counted, the better we are funded. Key federal programs also rely on data and allocations derived from the census, including:

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicare Part B
  • Highway Planning and Construction
  • Section 8
  • Title I Grants
  • State Children's Health

How will we be counted?
When it's time to respond, most households will receive an invitation in the mail. Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. Depending on how likely your area is to respond online, you'll receive either an invitation encouraging you to respond online or invitation along with a paper questionnaire. Once you receive your invitation in the mail, just follow the instructions on how to get counted!

When does the Census take place?
Beginning in mid-march, invitations to participate in the census will go out by mail. The Census will continue throughout the year with Census Day being observed nationally on April 1, 2020. Click here to view important dates. 

Remember...

  • Never lie on a federal form
  • Include everyone living in your household, including children ages 0-5
  • Under the law, Census data can only be used for statistical purposes. Title 13 of the U.S. Code requires respondent's information to be kept confidential, and guarantees personal information will not be used against respondents in court or by a government agency.

Mark Your Calendar: Important 2020 Census Dates

March 12-20: 
Initial invitations to respond online and by phone will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.  Areas that are less likely to respond online will receive a paper questionnaire along with the invitation to respond online or over the phone. 

March 16-24:
Reminder letters will be delivered.
 
March 26-April 3: 
Reminder postcards will be delivered to households that have not responded.
 
April 8-16: Reminder letters and paper questionnaires will be delivered to remaining households that have not responded.
 
April 20-27: Final reminder postcards will be delivered to households that have not yet responded before census takers follow up in person.
 
May 13-July 31: If a household does not respond to any of the invitations, a census taker will follow up in person. 
 
Important links:
 
US Census Bureau
https://2020census.gov/en.html
 
 
Census Jobs
www.2020census.gov/jobs
 
Census Counts
https://censuscounts.org/about/