The 2020 Census is approaching and the city of Lancaster is working to help ensure every resident is counted.
The census questionnaire will be delivered to residents beginning in mid-March and by April 1, every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, residents can respond for their household in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.
The goal of the census, conducted once a decade, is to count each person in the United States based on where they reside as of April 1. However, it is important to know that the census is more than a population count. Census results help determine how over $675 billion dollars in federal funds are distributed to state and local governments, as well as how many congressional representatives each state gets.
The 2020 Census is a vital opportunity to shape the future of our very own community. Based on prior censuses, certain parts of Lancaster have low self-response rates. Statistically these tracts are some of the hardest to count in the country. This means that Lancaster’s population could be under-counted, ultimately resulting in fewer dollars distributed to our community to fund local schools, roads, health clinics, and more.
Fortunately, this year’s census marks the first time residents will have the option to respond online. Participants can even respond from their mobile devices.
For Lancaster residents who have difficulty responding to the 2020 Census or are unsure how to participate, the city of Lancaster will be hosting a Questionnaire Action Kiosk (QAK) at Lancaster City Hall. Starting in mid-March, trained staff will be available during regular business hours, along with a dedicated computer station with internet access, to provide the public with direction and information about the census questionnaire.
Once a participant responds to the census, their personal information is kept confidential. The Census Bureau is bound by federal law to protect that information and that data is used only for statistical purposes.
The city of Lancaster is committed to having a complete count in the 2020 Census. Help make an impact in our community and spread the word that #LancasterCACounts and #AntelopeValleyCounts for #2020Census. Every response matters, and this time it is easier than ever to respond.
