Census 2020 is Coming Soon Make Sure Illinois Counts!
Posted on
Nov 13, 2019
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Its almost time to participate in that once-a-decade American tradition once again.
On Census Day, April 1, 2020 the federal government will begin its constitutional obligation to count every single person living in the US. Most households can begin to participate around mid-March, when letters with instructions are scheduled to be sent out around the country.
New for Census 2020 is a move toward online and telephone responses. A 1-800 number and an online form on the US Census website will be available for the first time. Paper forms can still be hand-filled and mailed but the push is toward the new online and phone methods. Households that do not respond by early April could receive a visit from a census worker or door knocker trained to conduct census interviews and collect responses in person.
Historically, older adults participate in the census in higher numbers than other demographic groups. However, a recent Census Bureau survey found that 65% of older adults dont feel comfortable giving personal information online or over the phone. Advocates worry that the push to use these new methods will keep some older adults from participating and result in lower census numbers.
Whats At Stake?
Theres a lot at stake for the State of Illinois that relies on resident participation in the census. In fact, the 2020 census data will shape political power and resources in our state for the next decade. The results will not only determine the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes but will also determine the distribution of roughly $880 billion a year in Federal dollars. This funding pays for critical services that benefit people of all ages like schools, roads, mass transit, and hospitals. It also supports programs that specifically help older Americans to be as healthy and independent as possible, like Medicare Part B, nutrition programs, and community supports.
In addition, businesses will use census data to determine things like where to build new supermarkets or direct new products and innovations. Emergency responders will use the census to direct search and rescue or prioritize clean-up efforts after natural disasters. The state will decide where to allocate transportation, housing, and social service resources. Population figures also factor into Illinois upcoming 2021 legislative redistricting and could impact future election results.
Editors Note: The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging at 630-293-5990 or visit our website at www.AgeGuide.org.
On Census Day, April 1, 2020 the federal government will begin its constitutional obligation to count every single person living in the US. Most households can begin to participate around mid-March, when letters with instructions are scheduled to be sent out around the country.
New for Census 2020 is a move toward online and telephone responses. A 1-800 number and an online form on the US Census website will be available for the first time. Paper forms can still be hand-filled and mailed but the push is toward the new online and phone methods. Households that do not respond by early April could receive a visit from a census worker or door knocker trained to conduct census interviews and collect responses in person.
Historically, older adults participate in the census in higher numbers than other demographic groups. However, a recent Census Bureau survey found that 65% of older adults dont feel comfortable giving personal information online or over the phone. Advocates worry that the push to use these new methods will keep some older adults from participating and result in lower census numbers.
Whats At Stake?
Theres a lot at stake for the State of Illinois that relies on resident participation in the census. In fact, the 2020 census data will shape political power and resources in our state for the next decade. The results will not only determine the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes but will also determine the distribution of roughly $880 billion a year in Federal dollars. This funding pays for critical services that benefit people of all ages like schools, roads, mass transit, and hospitals. It also supports programs that specifically help older Americans to be as healthy and independent as possible, like Medicare Part B, nutrition programs, and community supports.
In addition, businesses will use census data to determine things like where to build new supermarkets or direct new products and innovations. Emergency responders will use the census to direct search and rescue or prioritize clean-up efforts after natural disasters. The state will decide where to allocate transportation, housing, and social service resources. Population figures also factor into Illinois upcoming 2021 legislative redistricting and could impact future election results.
Editors Note: The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging at 630-293-5990 or visit our website at www.AgeGuide.org.