"US Census - Your participation impacts your community"

The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail—between March 12-20.

Why We Conduct This Count

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

It's also in the Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790.
 

Counting Everyone

Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community, because the results of the 2020 Census will affect community funding, congressional representation, and more.

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE:

People across the country are keeping their families and communities safe and healthy by providing essential services and following social distancing by staying home. Responding to the census yourself -- online, by phone, or through the mail -- is another way to do your part and help your community!

That’s why we have partnered with Census campaigns across the country to create the #CensusChallenge: An opportunity to highlight why the census is so important and who you can COUNT on not only for the census but during these shifting times.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Post a selfie or video with who you can count on. Post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2. Share a quick blurb of why the census matters to you!
Make sure to include the website where you can fill out your census: www.2020Census.gov

3. Tag 3 friends to share who they can count on and why the census matters to them.

HASHTAG:
#CensusChallenge

WHO TO TAG:
Twitter: @BeCountedSWPA
Facebook: @BeCountedSWPA