There has never been a more critical time to fill out and return your 2020 census survey.
Conducted every 10 years, this decennial survey gives the federal government a population count of everyone in the United States. The data will determine how more than $675 billion in federal funds is distributed annually to communities across the country. These funds support vital programs that impact housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy.
How Does The Census Impact Nevada?
In Nevada, the results could mean more than $20,000 over ten years for every man, woman, and child who is counted in the 2020 Census. This funding helps pay for education, affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure in our cities and counties. For every Nevadan not counted, we lose our share of federal funding to other states.
Data will also be used to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and accurately determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. For example, as a result of the 2010 census, Nevada gained another seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
To see how Nevada is doing and Washoe County too, visit census.nv.gov.
What is Census Day?
You may have heard that April 1 was Census Day. That does not mean that you can no longer fill out your survey. Rather, this is day is the measuring stick by which you fill out your survey. You should count everyone who is living in your home as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone—related or unrelated to you—who lives and sleeps at your home address most of the time. Be sure to count roommates, young children, newborns, and anyone who is renting a space in your home. If someone is staying in your home on April 1 and has no usual home elsewhere, you should count them in your response.
How Has COVID-19 Impacted the Census?
While participating in the census is a civic duty that our Constitution demands, it is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The responses from these surveys will help measure the impact of the virus and help our nation recover.
We all should take it seriously.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau has taken additional steps to ensure that anyone who can participate will be able to do so.
For example, the deadline for the Self-Response Phase, when the public is strongly encouraged to respond online, has been extended to Aug. 14.
Residents can self-respond online at www.my2020census.gov, by calling 844-330-2020, or by mail. Those who have not responded will be mailed paper questionnaires beginning April 8. The current plan is for census workers to begin home visits to non-responders on May 28. Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up, which is important to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.
By law, the count must be delivered to the president by Dec. 31, 2020. The Census Bureau will announce any additional adjustments should they become necessary.
As we all #StayHomeForNevada, we should all also take 10 minutes to complete our surveys. Do the right thing to ensure that you are counted, your voice is heard, and that our state has the resources it needs for the future.
