Upset With Politics? Take the 2020 Census
All opinions expressed here are my own, and not those of my employer.
If you’re anything like me, this democratic primary season has left you jaded with American politics (if you weren’t already). Especially if you live in a deeply red state like I do, you may feel like your values and priorities are rarely championed by politicians. You may also feel that you’re not represented in the current primary line-up, as a once-diverse field has dwindled down to another small handful of white males.
My day job is engaging in outreach and education about the upcoming 2020 Census at the local level. You may not be aware, but starting March 12th, you will be able to complete the 2020 Census. Unfortunately for folks like me, this year’s count has also been heavily politicized. You may have heard in the news concerns about Census suppression tactics, fiery rhetoric against including undocumented individuals in the count, and the very real fears about data security.
My work for the past half a year has been trying to prepare my community for a (hopefully) complete count. But addressing the fears and misgivings that community members have about the upcoming Census has been a monumental effort that weighs heavily on me.
I can’t guarantee that the fears people have about the security of their personally-identifiable information are completely unfounded. But I do know that if we don’t participate in this once-a-decade civic duty, there will be negative consequences for my community, in the form of lost federal funding and political representation. Here are a few main takeaways that I think most reporting on the Census overlooks:
1. You don’t have to be a registered voter to complete the Census.
In this way, the Census is much more inclusive than participating in our country’s electoral system. Not only can non-citizens, undocumented individuals and those unsure of their status participate, they must. There is no longer a question asking citizenship status on the 2020 Census, so this is an important opportunity for those whose interests are typically underrepresented in the political system to make themselves count.
2. The Census is available online and by phone for the first time this year, but the paper form is still an option
This is important to note for those who may have limited computer access or literacy, and/or primarily speak a language other than English or Spanish. For example, my partner’s parents will likely opt for the phone option, as they don’t feel comfortable using the internet, only speak Vietnamese, and no longer have children at home to help fill out the English form on paper. Advertising the multiple options may also benefit older adults and individuals with disabilities.
3. Afraid of Census scams? You will never receive Census communications by phone or email.
The U.S. Census Bureau will only send you 2020 Census materials by mail. Anything else is a scam and should be reported. Here is a sample version of the first letter you will receive in the mail. Depending on where you live, you may also get a paper form in the first mailing, which you can see here. The Census Bureau will never ask for citizenship status, social security number, or banking information.
4. If you’re a procrastinator, expect visitors.
By the beginning of May, the 2020 Census will enter its “Non-Response Follow-Up” phase, in which Census-takers will be sent door-to-door to talk to those who have not yet responded. In the age of porch pirates and doorbell cameras, this can be seen as quite unsavory. Census-takers are trained to show you identification when they come to the door, seen here. They are also not required to take your information if you’re uncomfortable, although they may continue to stop by at a later time. During Non-Response Follow-Up, you may still choose to respond by mail, phone, or online, which is important to remember for those who are bed-bound, have low vision and cannot identify a Census Bureau employee by sight, or otherwise cannot or don’t want to speak to someone face-to-face. Fill out the form before May so you don’t have to talk to someone through the crack in your door.
5. The form is not perfect, but change will never come if we don’t participate.
Most notably, the 2020 Census still asks a question about binary Male/Female sex, and there is no Middle Eastern/North African race category. These points always elicit groans from the audience when I go over the nine questions on this year’s form in my community. Since planning for the 2020 Census began almost a decade ago, interest groups have been lobbying hard for these and other changes to the form to encourage inclusivity. However, the powers that be were not willing to write these changes into law before this year’s form went to print. I am lucky that in my city, there are trusted community leaders in these areas that are championing Census participation despite this lack of gender and racial representation on the form. Being critical of and voicing concern over the Census Bureau’s processes is the only way that these changes will come before the 2030 Census. Complete the form in the way it feels right for you, but complete it.
Although I get paid to talk about the 2020 Census Monday through Friday, this truly is a labor of love for me. Census data is tied to formula funding for federal programs like WIC, Title I grants for public schools, and even road construction. It also is the basis for reapportionment of House seats in Congress every 10 years. A lot is riding against a successful Census this year, but my desire to support those in my city who have historically been undercounted in past Censuses will continue to motivate me. From March 12th through 20th, check your mail for your first letter from the Census Bureau. Exercising your right to be counted is something that you can only do once a decade, but the results will have a lingering impact on the day-to-day lives of those living in this country until 2030.
