In summary, YES! The Census does apply to you. Everyone must complete the Census. There are a lot of common questions surrounding the Census, such as: What is the Census? Who does the Census? Will it ask me for private information? Will “they” keep my information and give it to unauthorized third parties? Will the Census ask me questions about my citizenship status?
All of these questions, and others, are valid concerns. The fear surrounding the foregoing questions may impact an individual’s decision on whether to participate in the Census. However, everyone must complete the Census.
I have the honor to serve on the Highland Griffith Chamber Executive Board of Directors. On March 11, 2020, Mr. Victor Garcia, spoke to our Chamber at our monthly meeting about the general facts surrounding the Census of 2020, and how it applies to our community.
So, what is the Census and why should you do it?
What is the Census? The Census is a process where every person living in the United States and five U.S. Territories are counted for purposes of allocating money for federal funding for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources[1].
Why should I do the Census? Article I, Section 2, of the United States Constitution mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every ten years[2].
How do I complete the Census? You will receive a postcard in the mail. The Census is a simple questionnaire that will be mailed to your address. When you receive the questionnaire, it will have a specific ID number assigned to you. This is the first year that the Census can be completed primarily online! All you need to do is go on the website, enter your specific ID number, and answer a few simple questions.
What will the Census ask me? The Census is a simple questionnaire that will ask you basic questions about how many people live in your home, they type of home in which you reside, your names, phone number, gender, age, ethnicity, race, and relation to others living in your home. There will be no question about citizenship status on the 2020 Census.
Who Should Be Counted? It is important that everyone complete the Census questionnaire. You should include EVERYONE who lives in your home when you answer. Importantly, if you or a loved one living in your home is pregnant, you include that child in the count! Because the Census is only done every ten years, it is important to remember that the numbers reported on April 1, impact the funding received in schools and other benefits for the course of the next decade.
What Will The Government Do With My Information? The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to keep your information CONFIDENTIAL. The law protects your answers to the Census. Your private data is highly protected, and none of your responses can be used against you by any government agency or court[3]. In fact, there is a “72-Year Rule”, under which the National Archives releases census records to the general public only 72 Years after the Census Day[4].
What is the purpose of the Census and Why should I do it? Not only is completing the Census required by law, but the data obtained during this process has a direct impact on our communities.
What Does The Government Use The Data For? The data obtained helps the government determine the amount of government funding our community will receive for our communities, including, but not limited to funding for our schools, government funded benefits, non-profit organizations, Medicaid and Medicare Part B. The Census impacts funding for our schools to provide lunches to students, grants for special education purposes, and other programs specific for the education of our children.
In addition, the data obtained will impact the number of representatives that will represent us in the House of Representatives and will impact the electoral college for our representation in the voting process.
What if I don’t do it? If you do not respond to the first letter that is sent, there will be a second and third attempt to reach you. If you still do not respond, it is likely that the Census Bureau will make telephonic attempts to reach you.
In summary, you and your answers to the Census matter! The statistics and information obtained through the Census impact your community for the next decade. Funding for benefits and schools and many other aspects of our every day lives are determined through the count obtained from the Census.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!
Attorney Christie DeHaan
[1] https://2020census.gov/en/what-is-2020-census.html
[2] U.S. Const. art. I § 2
[3] https://2020census.gov/en/data-protection.html
[4] https://www.census.gov/history/www/faqs/genealogy_faqs/when_will_census_records_be_available.html