Why COVID-19 Makes Filling Out The Census More Critical Than Ever

By: Sharon Aron Baron

The easiest way to avoid human-to-human contact is to complete your 2020 Census online by June 1.

By completing it now, you avoid the need for a census taker to visit your home, and you can help shape Parkland’s future. 

The census data will determine how much money will go to local hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources in your community.

While non-essential workers are on stay-at-home orders, there’s never been an easier time to respond now to fill out your census online.  Here are the three ways to respond:

• Online:  Each household has received a postcard with a personal code to complete the census online via a computer or smartphone.
• By phone:  If you prefer, you may call to complete the census by phone in 13 languages. Language guides will also be offered in 59 languages.
• By mail:  If you have not responded to the Census, you will receive a form via mail.

The 2020 Census does NOT ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen. Your answers cannot be shared with law enforcement nor used against you.

The Census will NEVER ask you for social security numbers, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, or Bank or credit card account numbers.

By law, the information cannot be shared with law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the Internal Revenue Service. Title 13 is clear that the data collected can only be used for statistical purposes, and your privacy is protected. 

Respond now to the 2020 Census. 

Keep sending your news to Parkland Talk