Why participation in 2020 census is critical to future

The 2020 census is right around the corner, and the importance of achieving a complete count of all Broward residents cannot be overstated.

The U.S. Constitution requires a population count every 10 years of every person living in the United States—citizens and noncitizens alike. While the official 2020 census day falls on April 1, households will receive their invitation to respond starting on March 12. When filling out your census form, it’s critical to count every person who is living in your household on April 1, 2020.

Data collected from the census will impact the distribution of approximately $1.5 trillion annually in federal funds to state and local communities across the country for each of the next 10 years. The money supports vital federal assistance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, hospitals and nursing homes, housing vouchers, schools, roads, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Children’s Health Insurance, Head Start, emergency services and much more. In addition, the census count is used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives and to redraw state legislative districts. It is clear the census data impacts all of our lives in some way every day!

The good news is that Broward County’s Census 2020 Complete Count Committee has been working with trusted community leaders for over a year to raise awareness, encourage full participation, and reach out to hard to enumerate populations — including children younger than age 5, seniors (with limited internet access), immigrants, youth aging out of the foster care system, the homeless, and low-income individuals and families. Undercounted communities do not receive their fair share of federal funds.

Breaking down barriers to reach all audiences and achieve a complete count cannot be tackled by only one segment of the community. It takes a coalition of trusted voices, service providers, nonprofits, the business community, municipalities and county partners, and — most importantly — advocates like you.

This year, it’s easier than ever to be counted, as you may respond to the 2020 census online, by phone, or by mail, and assistance is available in 59 different languages.

It is important to know that your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure and protected by federal law. The Census Bureau is required by law to keep all your information confidential and use your responses only for statistical purposes. In fact, all Census Bureau employees take a lifetime oath to protect your personal information and any violation comes with severe penalties. Census records may only be released after 72 years.

Let’s all work together to make the 2020 census the most complete and successful count ever in Broward County!

To learn more about the 2020 census and how you can help shape Broward’s future, visit Broward.org/census2020.