EDITORIAL: Do you part — fill out the Census questionnaire

Published 4:56 pm Wednesday, August 5, 2020

With a swirl of news and events surrounding us, it’s easy to overlook the 2020 Census. Later this month, beginning Aug. 11, Census takers will begin door-to-door interviews with households that haven’t responded to the 10-year survey either online or by mail. 

So far, Baldwin County hasn’t represented well. Local households need to step it up.

The current response rate for Baldwin County is 45.2%, below the national rate — 62.3% — and the Georgia response rate — 58.6%. 

By comparison, take a look at some of the other response rates from throughout middle Georgia as of July 31: Jones – 61.3%; Bibb – 49.6%; Peach – 56.1%; Crawford – 51%; Houston – 65.9%; Wilkinson – 47.1%; Laurens – 53%; Pulaski – 45.2%; Dodge – 46.4%; Johnson – 48.5%; Washington – 45.7%.

While most of the response rates throughout our region are less than impressive, Baldwin County rates the lowest among them. That’s not only alarming, but it could also result in the loss of critical federal resources and support. 

There’s still time to do something about it, though.

Why does it matter?

For starters, the Census is constitutionally-mandated.

For cities and counties, the population data collected through the Census every 10 years mean dollars and have a direct impact on every community.

Census numbers influence projects such as highway planning and construction, how money is allocated for things like Head Start programs, grants that support teachers and special education, federal dollars for wildlife restoration, child abuse prevention initiatives, housing assistance for older adults, and the list goes on and on. 

According to the Census Bureau, more than $675 billion in federal funds annually, and trillions of dollars over the next decade, for critical services such as housing, transportation, health care, education, and emergency response, will be informed by population counts. Census statistics also determine how many seats each state may gain or lose in the U.S. House of Representatives, and how legislative districts are drawn. 

Responses are key, particularly in marginalized communities that may otherwise be overlooked or underrepresented yet need the kinds of resources census information helps provide.

It’s not too late to respond either online, by phone, or by mail. Due to COVID-19, the deadline to respond has been extended to Oct. 31. You may do so by visiting my2020census.gov . To complete the questionnaire by phone call 844-330-2020.

In-person responses will be collected by Census takers going door-to-door through Sept. 30. That’s a shorter time period than is typical, and a smaller window of time to gather this important information. 

Fill out the form. It is not complicated and just takes a few minutes. 

Baldwin County isn’t representing well right now, but there’s still time to change that. 

Do your part by completing the Census questionnaire. Help make sure the local community doesn’t get left out — or left behind.