The United States Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The 2020 Census counts everyone who lives in the U.S. on April 1. The presence of the COVID-19 pandemic complicated this. Census statistics help determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers every year for the next 10 years.
The 2020 Census is happening now. Have you completed the 2020 Census? It is quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete. It is safe, secure and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected. You can complete your questionnaire on line, by phone or by mail.
To respond online using your computer, smartphone or tablet, navigate to: my2020census.gov and use your Census ID which was in the letter or questionnaire you received from the Census Bureau. If you have not received anything from the Census Bureau yet, you can still respond online without your Census ID. Visit the online form and select “Start Questionnaire.” Below the ID field, choose the link that says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”
To respond by phone, begin by calling 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.
To respond by mail, send back completed paper questionnaire sent to your home. Use blue or black ink to fill in the questionnaire and mail to: U.S. Census Bureau, National Processing Center, 1201 E. 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132.
The first census in 1790 established the principle of “usual residence” — counting people where they live and sleep most of the time. Most people can easily identify their usual residence. But for some, it is not so easy. Know where to be counted if you do not have a permanent home, if you live in group housing, or if you divide your time between two homes. The 2020 Census.Gov provides helpful information to know where you and everyone in your household should be counted in the 2020 Census. Count these people on your household’s census form if they live with you most of the time:
• Babies and children of all ages (even newborns and infants), including biological and adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and children in joint custody arrangements.
• Children placed in your home through foster care, emergency placement, relative placement (children placed in a relative’s home), or guardianship, as well as youth experiencing homelessness who are staying with you temporarily.
• Children under the age of 18 who are away at boarding school (note: Count these children even if they spend more time at school than at home.)
• Any other close or extended family members living in your home, including partners, siblings, grandparents, cousins, in-laws, etc.
• People living in your home who are not related to you, such as roommates, boarders, friends or live-in employees.
The US Census Bureau is ending all counting efforts including critical door-to-door efforts for the 2020 Census on Sept. 30 a month sooner than previously announced. Be sure you are counted. Check with your neighbors and friends to be sure they are too. Your rights and resources depend on it.
Congratulations to all who have already responded to the 2020 Census.
All men and women are invited to join the nonpartisan League of Women Voters. Contact LWV, P.O. Box 101, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 for information.
