Now, more than ever, we want to encourage people to respond to the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States. By law, your response cannot be used against you or against anyone else by any government agency or courts. Furthermore, it cannot be accessed by police departments, DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA. Data collected through the census helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; informs the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funding to states and communities each year; and determines how many representatives each state receives in Congress.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the delivery of 2020 Census invitations to physical addresses has been suspended. However, residents are able to respond without a Census ID. To respond online, visit 2020census.gov. To respond by phone, call 844-330-2020 for English and 844-468-2020 for Spanish, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. After you complete the 2020 Census, send a copy of your response receipt, proof of physical address matching the response r toeceipt, and a mailing address to Grand County’s Complete Count Committee Chair at akimbrough@co.grand.co.us to receive a $25 VISA gift card, while supplies last.
What is the 2020 Census?
The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories, every 10 years. It includes a few simple questions about things like age, sex, and the number of people who live in your home. Responses to census questions provide a snapshot of the nation. Census results affect your voice in government, how much funding your community receives, and how your community plans for the future.
All responses are safe and protected under Title 13 of the United States Code. By law, your personal information cannot be used against you or against anyone else by any government agency or court—and it can’t be accessed by the police department, DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA. The data collected from the census is solely used for statistical purposes.
The US Census Bureau has made a number of major improvements since the 2010 Census, including new options for responding. This year, you can respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone response will be available in English and 12 other languages.
An accurate count of Grand County residents helps make sure that more than $675 billion in federal funds is directed each year to the right places to support education, health care, emergency services, and more. A complete and accurate count is also critical for determining how many representatives each state will have in Congress. As of now, Colorado is projected to add a representative. Every person not counted is an estimated $15,000 lost in federal funding until the next census is conducted, equivalent to $1,500 per person per year.
While the US Census Bureau is the sole entity conducting the 2020 Census, Grand County Government is excited to be partnering with them to ensure that Grand County, Colorado is counted accurately, to promote and educate our communities about the importance of the Census, and to provide resources that support and motivate response.
We encourage your participation in the 2020 Census and want to remind you to count everyone living in your home, including newborns, older individuals, and people who are not family members. In general, you should count yourself where you live and sleep most of the time. If it is difficult to pinpoint a primary residence, then count yourself at the location of your residence on April 1, 2020.