The census provides an official count of the United States’ population and information about important demographic changes over a 10-year period. The data is used to ensure states are being fairly represented, both in the allotment of federal dollars and the number of congressional districts. Did you receive an invitation in the mail to complete an online census questionnaire? Come to the library to fill it out! This page will help to answer questions you may have about the 2020 Census. |
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The Census is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. Article 1, Section 2, mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) |
Why should I respond to the Census?
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Funding? What type of funding?
All federal funding that states receive is a result of the Census. In 2016, Missouri received $16.5 billion in federal funding for schools, hospitals, transportation, and more. For every Missourian not counted, Missouri risks losing $1300 per person in federal funding. What are some examples of federal funding going to Missouri? |
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. If you refuse to answer, you may be fined. If you partially fill it out, a follow-up visit or phone call may be necessary.
TIMELINE
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What type of questions are asked?
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Will there be questions about citizenship?
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If you are filling out the census for your home, you should count everyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time. If someone is staying in your home on April 1, and has no usual home elsewhere, you should count them in your response to the 2020 Census.
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You will have three options for responding:
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Will someone come to my house?
If you do not answer the questionnaire, the Census Bureau will send a census taker to your home starting in May. |
How do I know if this person is really from the Census?
If someone visits your home to collect information for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
If you suspect fraud, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department. |
How do I avoid fraud and scams?
It is important to know that the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census. Further, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for:
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Worried about executive overreach or law enforcement?
For more information!