What is the 2020 Census?
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States as well as the five US territories. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790. The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the US Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. You can expect to receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire in the mail between March 12-20. You can respond to the questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail.
Why They Conduct the Census
The census provides critical data that is used to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to schools, fire departments, roads, senior services, job training and many other resources based on census data. The 2020 Census will determine how this funding flows to communities just like ours.
You Count, I count, We all Count!
Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for our community because the result of the 2020 Census will affect community funding, congressional representation, and much more.
During the 2020 Census, 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
Additionally, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census. If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it’s a scam, and you should not cooperate.
What Happens to Your Answers?
It is important to know that your personal information collected during the census is kept confidential. The Census Bureau is bound by federal law to protect your information, and your data is used only for statistical purposes.
“If we were to be under-counted, it could mean less resources for Gloucester Township and we don’t want that to happen. Look for the 2020 Census in your mailbox and please take the time to fill it out. Your replies are completely confidential and it is important to our Gloucester Township community!”
-Mayor David R. Mayer
