SEATTLE — April 1 is Census Day which, by Constitution, is a required count of the U.S. population every ten years. Former Washington Governor Gary Locke oversaw the 2010 census as U.S. Commerce Secretary and today he acts as the current Chair of Washington State’s Complete Count Committee.
According to Governor Locke, there are two important reasons why every person in the state needs to get counted. First, it determines how many of the 435 seats in the United States Congress each state will have. As the population of the United States changes, so might the number of Congressional seats each state has and therefore accurate representation.
The second reason is to help direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services from child nutrition programs to transportation, emergency preparedness, or public health. If we don't claim that money, it simply gets distributed to another state!
By law, information gathered by the Census cannot be revealed to anybody or any other federal agency for 72 years. Only raw statistics such as age, gender and ethnicity are known in order to help determine where necessities like bus routes or fire stations should be placed.
There are three ways to complete the 2020 Census. For the first time, the census form can be filled out online at www.my2020census.gov. You can also request a paper form to complete and mails back. Or, for help to complete your questionnaire or to ask questions, call toll-free at 844-330-2020.
A census agent will never ask for financial information or citizenship, and all will have identification badges. Also beware of scams and rumors circulating. The Census Bureau has a page where you can check the facts or report a rumor at https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/rumors.html. If you suspect fraudulent activity, call the Los Angeles Regional Office at 800-992-3530.
Segment Producer Margaret Larson. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day