The U.S. Census Bureau is allowing individuals and families to respond to the survey online, by phone or by mail. The 2020 Census marks the first time you will have the option to respond online. Everyone living in the United States is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census.
You will be asked a few simple questions, like age, sex, and the number of people who live in your home, including children. Your personal information is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone, including any government agencies or law enforcement. The Census will never ask you for your social security number, money or donations, or credit card numbers.
Why the Census is Important?
- Representation: The decennial count of all U.S. residents is required by the U.S. Constitution to determine representation in Congress and the Electoral College (known as reapportionment). This data is also the basis for drawing districts for federal, state, and local offices (known as redistricting).
- Funding: The Census is key to the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding to states and localities (such as grants to states under the Library Services and Technology Act).
- Information: Data resulting from the Census is widely used by researchers, governments, businesses, and other organizations (to, for example, plan for library services).
