Census 2020, It Counts

Did you know federal, state and local political districts are drawn based on population data? Accurate data helps to ensure peoples' votes will have the same weight. Another fact: states gain or lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives depending on how much their population changes relative to the nation at large.

Did you know population statistics affect federal funding? Many critical social services, education and infrastructure programs depend on census-guided federal grants that provide billions of dollars in funding. Undercounted cities and communities lose out.

Also a fact: accurate information on who lives where and how the population is changing is critical for long-term planning as cities and communities work to make informed decisions about where to invest in services such as new transportation lines or more schools.

Given all that population data impacts, Thomas Nelson officials join U.S. Census Bureau representatives in reminding everyone to participate in Census 2020. Occurring every 10 years, census counts the nations' population including residents of five U.S. territories.

Census takers in July began interviewing at households that have not responded and follow-up work started last Tuesday, according to Bureau's website. In cases where no one was home at the time of a visit, census takers left a notice with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail.

If you received this notice at your residence, or have not acted on the notice mailed this spring, please take time to reply.

To ease concerns people may have about the process, the Census Bureau emphasizes:

• Census 2020 does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.
• Everyone counts. The census counts everyone who resides in the country, including non-citizens.
• The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential.
• Census 2020 is available online, by phone, and by mail. Online and phone responses can be completed in 13 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese).
• During Census 2020, the Census Bureau will never ask you for your Social Security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party or your bank or credit card account

Get the facts about the 2020 Census.