Census began in 1790 in the United States, has carried on in every year ending in zero since the first one.
Meaning, with 2020 Freestone County citizens will begin receiving their Census packets around Mid March.
For a good number of citizens this will be the first time that you do the census and the ‘Times’ is here to help you understand the process.
Most important thing for everyone to know is that the Census is not an option. It is a legally required civic duty.
If you opt not to complete and return the paper packet sent to your home, census workers will be out to visit you sometime through May to July.
Yes, everyone is counted. This includes homeless and people living in group residences, for example: Nursing Homes and Dorms.
The information is confidential and protected by law.
The count is also how the government determines the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives.
The 2020 census website also states, “Census results shape the future of communities, as census data informs how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for health clinics, school lunch programs, disaster recovery initiatives, and other critical programs and services for the next 10 years.”
The Census asks you:
— How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2020?
— Were there any additional people staying here on April 1, 2020, that you did not include in Question 1?
— Is this house, apartment, or mobile home?
— What is your telephone number?
— What is Person 1’s name?
— What is Person 1’s sex?
— What is Person 1’s age and what is Person 1’s date of birth?
— Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
— What is Person 1’s race?
— Print name of Person 2.
— Does this person usually live or stay somewhere else?
— How is this person related to Person 1?
Straight forward, if you keep a few basic rules in the back of your mind if they apply to your situation.
A child is counted with whose home they are in, on April 1, 2020 if they have more than one residence.
Newborn babies born up to April 1 are counted even if still in the hospital, any time after that they are not.
If you move on April 1, 2020 count yourself in the new residence if you are actually living there. If you moved out of a home but not into the new one, do not count yourself at the new residence.
Visitors should be counted at their normal residence.
There are a few rules for students. Boarding School students are counted. College students living at home are counted. College students count where they live and sleep the most even if they are home on April 1. Students studying abroad are not counted.
Military Personal that is temporarily deployed are counted at home.
RV Parks, Marinas, campgrounds, and such have special rules and you should contact someone at the Census to help you.
One more important note, if a U.S. Census employee arrives at your home you should ask for their ID and they should provide one.
If you still want to be sure, call 800-923-8282 to verify the employee.
The census has no political affiliation and the employee should not state one.
The census will never ask for a Social Security Number, your bank account, a credit card, money or donations.
If you have any questions you may contact the Census Bureau Customer Service Center at 1-800-923-8282 or 301-763-INFO (4636.)
