Did you know that the Census is taking place in 2020? The US Census is an effort to count every person that is living in the United States as well as the five U.S. territories. The census only happens every TEN years, so each time it rolls around, it is important to have as accurate of a count as possible. Why, you may ask? Well, an accurate census count determines how much funding local communities may receive. This funding goes towards things like ensuring public safety through our police and fire departments, funding for health care, education, infrastructure (such as maintaining our roads), and other essential services. The results of the census may also impact how our state is represented in Congress as well as legislative districts. Needless to say, it is especially important that every Michigander complete the 2020 census to ensure Michigan is counted completely and accurately and receives the funds it deserves.

Below we’ve captured three key facts about the census. Give them a read and we encourage you to do your part and complete the 2020 census.

1. You Can Complete the Census by Mail, Phone, or Online: Completing the 2020 census is easier than you may think! You can complete the Census by phone, online, or through the mail. The website 2020Census.gov has established a web page that outlines how exactly you can go about responding to the 2020 Census. Check it out, because time is running out to be counted.

2. The Census should only take about 10 minutes to complete: The Census questionnaire is only 9 questions, and should only take about 10 minutes to complete on average. Who doesn’t have 10-minutes, right?! The form is relatively quick and easy to complete. If you complete the form online, you must complete it all at once (you can’t start it and come back later). The questionnaire asks you a few questions about yourself and everyone that was living with you on April 1, 2020.

3. The Results of the Census are Confidential: The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to keep the answers of respondents confidential. In addition, Census employees take an oath to protect the personal information of respondents for life. The U.S. Census Bureau has assured all of us that in addition to being quick and easy to complete, the process they have set up for the Census will also be safe and secure. Also, the Census Bureau will NOT ask for your social security number, bank account or credit card info, or money/donations.

So let’s do our part, Michigan! Let’s make sure that each of us are counted so our state receives the federal funding necessary for essential services in our state. As we previously said, the Census only happens every 10-years, so we will live with the results from this Census for the next 10-years. As a result, we won’t be able to impact the federal funding we receive from the Census for another 10-years also. Make sure you do your part and find 10-minutes in your day to complete the 2020 Census.

We realize you may have additional questions, so we’ve included some helpful website here for additional reading:

United State Census 2020: https://2020census.gov/

Michigan 2020 Census: https://www.michigan.gov/census2020/