April 1, 2020, is census day. The United States as a whole and Missouri as our state need the numbers to assist better and represent the people of America.
Why The Census?
The United States Census occurs every ten years. The government counts every individual in the country to better offer demographics on elected officials and services where tax dollars are most needed. This includes schools and roads. In mid-March, the post office began delivering invitations to each household to participate in the 2020 census. Currently, the top counties in Missouri responding to the census are near St. Louis, Springfield, and north of Kansas City.
Who Can Participate?
One member of each household is requested to respond to the census. He will report for the entire household, every adult and every child living there.
How Can I Participate?
The Census Bureau offers several ways a household can participate this year. My2020Census.gov offers the opportunity to respond online. One can also respond by phone. The Census Bureau will mail a form to households who do not respond in either of those means.
How Missouri Stacks Up
Currently, 38.4% of the country has responded to the census inquiry. Missouri alone is slightly better at 40.5%. Governor Parson said,” We really need the city of St. Louis and our rural counties to show up by any means possible: internet, phone, or mail.” [1] The outcome of this census determines funds received for emergencies like the current coronavirus pandemic.
Notes:
- ^https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/participating-2020-complete-count-census-more-important-ever (go back ↩)
