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Complete the 2020 Census TODAY to make a difference in our community!

Posted: 4 years, 5 months ago

Visit census.nc.gov for information and resources.

Why the Census Matters

The US Census is a once a decade count of everyone residing in the United States, and the 2020 Census will have a big impact on North Carolina’s communities through representation, funding, and reliable information.  The US Constitution requires a Census every 10 years to determine seats in the US House of Representatives.  North Carolina has 13 Congressional seats, but recent estimates show that our state may gain a seat after the 2020 Census.  A complete count will ensure that North Carolina’s voice will be appropriately represented in Congress.  The Census also provides the most detailed picture of our communities, and governmental funding programs rely on Census data to distribute billions of dollars each year.  In Fiscal Year 2015, the US Government distributed over $16 billion in North Carolina providing resources for schools, health care, highways, and more.  That’s $1,623 per person per year, and the State of North Carolina also distributes about $200 per person per year to counties and towns based on Census information.  Information from the Census helps local service providers and businesses plan for our dynamic state.  The Census is important to our future.  When you complete your 2020 Census form, you Make NC Count.

How do People Respond

The 2020 Census will shape representation, funding, and planning for North Carolina’s future; and being counted in the Census is quick, easy, and safe.  Invitations will be mailed the week of March 13.  This is the first US Census to allow internet or smartphone responses.  Census Day is April 1, 2020, but you can complete your Census form online as soon as you get it.  The Census invitation will have a web address, Census ID code, and phone number.  If you do not have internet access or would rather not reply online, you can provide your information by phone.  You can also use the phone number to request a paper Census form.  Census forms are available in 12 languages, and Census support is available in over 50 languages including American Sign Language.  Questionnaire support is available online via chat and over the phone.  After April 1, 2020, Census Enumerators will visit the addresses of non-responders to make sure everyone is counted.  The information you provide is confidential and by law cannot be shared for 72 years.  This includes all federal and state government agencies, law enforcement, courts, etc.  The Census questionnaire is short and can be completed in a few minutes.  Your confidential participation helps provide representation, funding, and planning data to serve your community for the next decade.  When you complete your 2020 Census form, you Make NC Count.

How the Census Works

The 2020 Census is important to all North Carolina counties, cities, and towns.  Census data supports representation, funding, and planning for services and economic development.  The once-a-decade Census is a big operation - in fact, it is the largest peacetime operation conducted by the US government.  It takes a big operation to count everyone in a nation that is growing and becoming more mobile and diverse.  The task of the Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.  This task is required by the Constitution to determine where Congressional seats should be apportioned.  Everyone counts in the Census - no matter your age, race, sex, or place of birth.  The Census counts everyone in every living situation whether you reside in a house, apartment, dorm, prison, barracks, or are homeless.  The Census counts everyone where they usually live on April 1, 2020; but the Census does not change your legal residence for taxes, voter registration, or other residency status. 

2020 Census questionnaires will be mailed during the week of March 13, 2020, and participation is required by law.  Questionnaires can be completed online, over the phone, or on paper; and support is available in over 60 languages including American Sign Language.  Census Day is April 1, 2020, and Census Enumerators will visit the addresses of non-responders shortly after Census Day.  While you can skip questions on the Census form, this increases your likelihood of being visited by a Census Enumerator.  Completing your Census form is quick, easy, and safe! Your confidential participation helps provide representation, funding, and planning data to serve your community for the next decade.  When you complete your 2020 Census form, you Make NC Count.

Confidentiality – Participating is Safe

The 2020 Census is important to the representation, funding, and future planning of North Carolina and our communities.  The Census goal is to count everyone, and participation is required by law.  Being counted in the 2020 Census is quick, easy, and safe.  Your Census response is confidential and protected for 72 years per Title 13 of the US Code.  Your personal Census information cannot be shared with any one or any government agency including law enforcement, immigration, IRS, etc.  Violation of Census confidentiality is punishable by five years in federal prison and/or $250,000 fine.  These severe penalties protect your Census privacy.  While participating in the Census is safe, knowing what to expect will help avoid potential scams and fraud.  The 2020 Census is short.  The Census form asks questions about housing tenure (owning/renting), phone number, number of people in the home, relationship, and name, sex, race, Hispanic/Latino origin for each person in the home.  The 2020 Census does NOT ask for social security numbers, bank or credit card account numbers, money or donations, or anything on behalf of a political party.  Census Enumerators will be in the field conducting 2020 Census non-response operations after April 1, 2020.  All Census workers will have ID badges with their photograph, US Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date.  Census workers will carry a hand-held device and a clearly marked US Census Bureau bag.  If asked, Census workers will produce their supervisor’s contact information and/or regional office phone number for verification and a letter from the Director of the Census Bureau on US Census Bureau letterhead.  A Census worker will never ask to enter your home.  Your Census response is important to the future of your community, and your participation is safe. 

Working for the Census

The 2020 Census is important to the future representation, funding, and planning of North Carolina; and the US Census Bureau is hiring to help make the 2020 Census a success.  Temporary, part-time Census jobs are available now across North Carolina.  The hourly pay rate is at least $14.00 an hour and is higher in many counties.  The Census Bureau will also reimburse workers for mileage and expenses.  Applicants must be at least 18 years old on April 1, 2020 and have access to transportation.  To find more information about 2020 Census jobs or to apply, visit 2020census.gov/jobs.