It's time for us all to be counted in the 2020 Census! Since 1790, our country has joined together once every 10 years to take count of every person living in the United States.
So, what is the census, exactly, and why should you participate?
What is the Census?
Not only is the census required by the Constitution, but it's critically important to communities because census data is used to determine everything from representation in Congress to allocation of federal and state funds. $675 billion will be distributed annually for schools, roads and other public services, all based on census information. In addition, the demographic data are used by businesses to determine, for example, where to build new supermarkets, and by emergency responders to locate injured people after natural disasters.
Here's the part of the constitution (Article 1, Clause 3) that requires a census, or enumeration:
"The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."
How will the Census impact my community?
Information learned through the census determines how funds are distributed to states, counties and communities. This money, in turn, can be spent on everything from public schools to hospitals to public works. In addition, after each census, state officials will review and redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in Illinois to account for population shifts
What questions does the Census ask?
The census asks how many people are in your household and whether the home is owned or rented. You'll be asked to count the number of people, including babies and people who may not have a permanent address, who are living or staying in your home. You'll be asked to answer questions about age, race or ethnic identity, and relationships of people living at your address to you.
How long will it take to fill out?
The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Can I refuse to answer a question?
You can skip questions, submit an incomplete census form and still be included in the head count. Returning a partially filled-out questionnaire may result in a follow-up phone call or visit from a census worker.
What if I don't respond at all?
Everyone living in the United States is required to be counted as part of the Census, and because the data is so important, the Census Bureau will send you a reminder letter if you haven't responded by April 2020. If you do not respond then, you'll receive a paper questionnaire you can mail back. If you don't respond to the paper questionnaire, you'll receive a visit from a census worker.
Will I be asked about my citizenship or immigration status?
No. The 2020 Census will not include a question about citizenship. It is important that you complete the census regardless of your immigration status. Everyone deserves to be counted, and your information will be kept confidential.
How can I respond to the Census?
You can respond to the census online, by phone or on a paper questionnaire. The online and phone questionnaire will be available in 13 languages. You can still complete a paper form, but these forms will only be available in English and bilingual English-Spanish.
How does the online option work?
Almost all households will receive an invitation letter in the mail with instructions for responding to the census online. The invitation will include a unique identification code called a Census ID or User ID. The online form will be optimized to allow people to respond on a smartphone, tablet or computer. Using the Census ID helps the Bureau keep track of responses and prevent duplication. However, the Census ID is not required in order to respond online or by telephone. If you don't have your Census ID handy, you can use your address instead. The online questionnaire will be available in 13 languages (Arabic, Chinese [Simplified], English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese). The Census Bureau will have a toll-free phone hotline in 13 languages for people who have questions or need help responding to the census. You can also complete the questionnaire over the phone when you call.
Is my Census data safe?
Yes! Information you submit through the census form (either online, over the phone or on paper) is kept confidential by the U.S. Census Bureau, which is a nonpartisan government agency. The Census Bureau will never share information with immigration enforcement agencies or law enforcement agencies.Please also know that the Census Bureau will never ask you for:
- Your Social Security number
- Money or donations
- Anything on behalf of a political party
- Your bank or credit card account numbers
Where can I complete the Census?
You can complete the Census at home, over the phone or you can come to the Library!
Here is the official census website: https://2020census.gov
Learn more about the Census: https://censuscounts.org/resources/census-2020-technology-faqs/
This Census At a Glance Factsheet gives a quick overview of key information about the census: https://census.gov/library/fact-sheets/2019/dec/2020-at-a-glance.html