The 2020 Census Is Here!

While April 1st is known as April Fool’s Day, in 2020, it’s also Census Day. 

With the world in quarantine, we must stay vigilant to protect all our people. The results of the 2020 Census will determine the apportionment of congressional seats and the allocation of approximately $1.5 trillion in federal funding. 

Historically undercounted populations, including but not limited to immigrants, people of color, young children, and people experiencing homelessness have the most to gain when ensuring a fair and accurate count. 

Your participation is critical! 

Especially concerning for California is our ample share of what the Census Bureau calls “hard-to-count” (HTC) populations, that is, populations that are less likely to self-respond to the census questionnaire. The issue is particularly troubling for Los Angeles County, which many experts consider to be the hardest-to-count county in the nation. Over half of the approximately 10 million residents across LA County are considered HTC because of where they live or because they belong to certain demographic groups. 

Responding to these challenges, Advancement Project California and our partners are working to ensure a fair and accurate count of all our residents. Through the Census Policy Advocacy Network (CPAN) and the We Count Los Angeles Census Table, we are providing data and mapping support, a space for coordination and real-time collaboration, and tools and resources for stakeholders to use to secure a brighter future for California.

Here are five quick and essential facts to remember about the Census:

The Census is easy! 

• For the first time, you can respond to the Census online from the safety and comfort of your own home.
• No internet? No problem! You can also call 1-844-330-2020 to complete your Census. It takes less than 10 minutes, and you can respond in your home language! The online and phone options are available in 12 non-English languages.
• And, the Census Bureau has provided 59 glossaries to help with translation.

The Census is safe!

• Federal law PROTECTS your answers and ensures that your information remains CONFIDENTIAL. 
• Federal law PROTECTIONS include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This means that your information cannot be used against you. 
• The Census Bureau can only use your responses to create information about the general population such as how many people live in your city and statistics about age, gender, and race. The Census Bureau cannot share information about you as an individual until after 72 years. 
• Additionally, Census Bureau staff take LIFETIME OATHS TO PROTECT this information and are subject to a penalty of up to $250,000 and up to 5 years in prison if they violate that oath.

The Census is important!

• Responding to the Census ensures allocations of adequate resources and funding for essential services that matter most to you and your family like schools, housing, and healthcare. Did you know funding for health care and many emergency response resources are determined by the Census? Now is the time to do your part – complete the Census!

The Census matters to your descendants! 

• A hundred years from now, when your descendants trace their ancestry and genealogy, they can reference your Census records to learn more about you. Your opportunity to say you were present in 2020 and solidify the mark you left on this world is a gift to your family. 

The Census determines your future!

• Your children, your family, your neighbors, and yourself have a lot to gain by taking part in the Census. The Census will be used to make crucial decisions that will affect your family and community for the next 10 years. The number of congressional seats apportioned and how state and federal dollars get distributed are all determined by accurate Census data.
• Here’s how you can support our work and ensure your community receives its fair share of resources: Complete your Census form and identify five friends/family members you can motivate and encourage to respond to the 2020 Census.

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Don’t be fooled! Let’s make sure our communities count in 2020!

Learn more about We Count Los Angeles, here.