ABOUT
THE 2020 CENSUS
As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, our nation gets just one chance each decade to count its population. The 2020 Census will be conducted this year on April 1st. To learn more about the 2020 Census and its importance, click the tabs to the right.
The U.S. census counts every resident (adults and children) in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution.
In addition, participation is mandatory, as described in Title 13 of the U.S. Code. [4] Refusal to respond can result in a fine. However, no one has been prosecuted for failing to respond to the census since the 1970 Census.
The data collected by the 2020 Census will be used in a number of ways. The main use of the Census data will be to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of representatives and the amount of federal dollars distributed to support local communities. This year, more than $880 billion dollars will be considered for distribution across the country.
Here are some other ways the Census data can affect our community:
- Local Businesses: Use Census data to determine where to build offices, stores, factories, etc. This creates more jobs and generates more communal wealth.
- Real Estate & City Planners: Use Census data to decide where to build new homes, parks, and where to improve neighborhoods.
- Local Government: Uses the Census data to ensure adequate public safety, decide where to build schools, and establish public transportation routes.
- Residents: Can use the Census data to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality of life, and consumer advocacy.
Census day was officially April 1st, 2020. All residents should have received a Census notice by March 12th.
The last day to complete the 2020 Census is now October 31st, 2020.
The 2020 Census is designed to be easy, safe, and quick to complete online.
However, in some places (such as remote Alaska) the count will be conducted by in-person enumerators. All households will have the option to complete and mail back a paper form, complete the questionnaire over the phone, or provide responses to an in-person enumerator.
Non-Response Follow Up Strategy
deadline extended
There is still time!
As part of its Non-Response Follow Up strategy, The Census Bureau is sending another invitation to all households that have not already responded to the 2020 Census. This follow-up will arrive in postcard form between July 22 to 28.
You now have until October 31, 2020 to complete the census!
Purpose
Most common Census myths.
- It is your right to complete the Census
- The Census does not include a citizenship question
- All answers are kept anonymous and used only to produce statistics
- It is illegal for census information to be shared with your landlord
- It is illegal for census information to be shared with law enforcement or others agencies
- It is illegal for census information to be used for deportation or family separation
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Join our next Black Caucus meeting!
The purpose of these meetings is to discuss Census Bureau updates and plan Census involvement strategies for the coming months. Meetings typically last 1.5 hours. Due to Coronavirus safety concerns, future Black Caucus meetings will be held virtually!
GET INVOLVED
MAKE THE PLEDGE TO BE COUNTED!
April 1st, 2020 is Census day! Join us by making the pledge to participate in the 2020 Census and be counted! After you make the pledge, you’ll have the opportunity to receive census updates, important census event information, and more!
Start by texting:
@ULMS CENSUS
to
520-14
Download
Need Census materials?
Feel free to use any of the Urban League 2020 Census materials to help you educate your community on all things Census related! You can begin by clicking the Census Library. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Find additional information and census materials at wecountykingcounty.org.
2020 CENSUS FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers about the 2020 Census
No. You will not be asked to disclose your citizenship status on the 2020 Census.
No. The Census is free. The Census Bureau will never ask you to provide payment or bank account information.
No. The Census Bureau will never ask you to provide your social security number to complete the Census.
No. Any information collected during the 2020 Census cannot and will not be shared with/by 3rd party government agencies.
Yes! 95% of residents will receive an access code to complete the Census online.
The biggest risk in not completing the census is reducing the amount of resources and funding available to our community for the next 10 years.
If you don’t respond to the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will send up to five mailings to your address and an enumerator to your door. [6] For up to six days (with the possibility of more than one contact attempt per day), an enumerator will attempt to gather census information from someone in the household. [7] After each contact attempt, the enumerator will leave a “Notice of Visit” form encouraging households to respond via mail, phone, or online. After three days of attempting to contact someone at the address, an enumerator may begin contacting neighbors to request a proxy response for the non-responding household.
the countdown has begun!