Once every 10 years, the US Constitution requires a full count of the population in order to reapportion seats in the US House of Representatives. That exercise – the 2020 Census – begins in a little over a year (i.e., mid-March 2020). Washington is working hard to ensure the state’s residents are fully counted because it is not only about political power, but also represents billions of dollars every year in federal support to education, health, and infrastructure (e.g., highways, roads, and water and sewage systems) and serves as a basis for decision-making across all sectors.

For the first time, the primary method of self-response will be via the internet! The Census Bureau expects at least 70 percent of the population to complete census forms online. What a huge change from the days of hiring an army of individuals to knock on every door and conduct a survey on the doorstep.

The Bureau is not only automating the response process, but also using GIS technology to develop its Master Address File and automating its recruiting, training, deployment and administration of the enumeration process. It is quite exciting that modern technologies are being used to conduct such a massive exercise.

Still, concerns about underfunding and recruiting difficulties have served to undermine some of the excitement over the high-tech nature of the census. Already, the Census Bureau has had to cut the number of tests in the run-up to the real exercise. The recent budget deal should finally settle the question about how much money will be available for educational and promotional operations. However, a reduced budget and low unemployment may prevent the full recruitment and deployment of a robust effort to advertise the benefits of responding to the census and provide assistance in the completion of census forms.

And, if those concerns were not enough, significant parts of the population are more reluctant than ever to participate in a census due to the late introduction of a citizenship question. Given the predominance of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, those born outside the United States (whether legally resident or not) feel targeted by the question – and fear that their responses will be used against them. Although it is a legal obligation to respond to the census, many report their intention to skip it, rendering themselves and their families invisible as political and economic entities for the next 10 years!

An accurate census will bring important economic and political benefits to our communities in Washington. We need your help to spread the word that the process is quick, easy, and safe and to help people overcome any internet access or digital literacy issues people may confront.

Why is the Census important?

Put simply, it drives decisions that will affect economic investments in our state and the weight of our political influence until 2031. We can’t afford to NOT be counted!

The Census determines how we share political power in our democracy. It will not only decide the number of representatives Washington sends to the US House of Representatives and its Electoral College votes, but will also be used to draw political boundaries for state and local districts. In the last census, Washington gained a seat—and now has 10 representatives defending our interests in the nation’s capital!

The Federal Government also uses Census numbers to distribute more than $800 billion in health, education, and infrastructure funds to states, counties, and cities. Locally, private and public agencies, organizations, and businesses use Census data to help determine where to build schools, roads, healthcare facilities, child care and senior centers, grocery stores, and new factories.

In 2016, Washington received $16.7 billion of these funds – or $2,319 per person – including:

• Nearly $700 million in bridge and highway maintenance and construction
• $8.5 billion for health programs
• $2.4 billion for education
• $1.2 billion for housing
• $550 million for rural assistance programs

Based on these numbers, the state would lose up to $5.8 million for every 100 households missed, which would affect its ability to support children, veterans, senior citizens, and middle- and low-income families adequately.

An accurate count of your community will ensure that you get your fair share of state and federal resources and that your voice matters.

How does it work?

10 questions in 10 minutes!

Beginning in mid-March 2020, the US Census Bureau will send each household a letter, inviting it to go online (or call) and provide information about the number of people residing at that address. The questionnaire will also ask for the names, sex, age (including date of birth), and race/ethnicity of each person living at the residence. Finally, the form will ask if residents own or rent and will ask for a phone number in case there is a need to follow up for any reason.

What is the timeline?

The process begins in mid-March 2020 and lasts until the end of July.

The first mailing from the US Census Bureau will arrive at residences between March 12 and 20. If you don’t respond to the first mailing, you will receive another four reminders in the mail. The fourth mailing will include a printed copy of the questionnaire.

If you still haven’t responded by the beginning of May, a Census Bureau employee will visit your home repeatedly to attempt to collect the information needed.

Is it safe?

The Census Bureau takes every effort to protect the confidentiality of your responses!

The Bureau recognizes how important accurate information is to community decision-making and planning so it doesn’t want to do anything to discourage responses. It uses the highest levels of data security to safeguard the privacy of the information it receives. It is also illegal for any Census Bureau employee to use responses provided against an individual or to share the information with other agencies. In fact, census forms can ONLY be used to produce statistical information about the population, and penalties for violations are severe. For more information, refer to the Factsheet on Census and Confidentiality.

What can you do to help?

• Inform yourself and inform others at www.ofm.wa.gov/2020census.
• Encourage qualified individuals to apply for good paying, flexible, part-time Census jobs.
• Do a scan of your community
  • Who might have difficulty or be afraid to respond to the census?
  • What solutions can you devise to help overcome these difficulties for those in your community?
  • What answers can you provide to allay the concerns of your community?
• Make a list of community leaders who could develop an understanding of the importance of the census and enjoy the public trust—and educate them about the upcoming census
• Develop a contact list of people who understand the importance of the census and are willing to Commit to the Census—when the time comes, contact them with reminders
• Create an inventory of all mailing lists, newsletters, recurrent communications (bills, invoices, etc.) that could be used to spread the word about the Census
• Identify places with internet access and computers/tablets to host Census Assistance Centers for those who need help completing the form online
• Recruit and educate volunteers ready to go door-to-door and staff assistance centers