The Garrett County Complete Count Committee would like to remind all residents of the County who haven’t done so to complete their 2020 Census survey and help make a difference to their community.
The U.S. Census Bureau has provided several options this time to make the process fast and easy: either online at my2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail using an official Census questionnaire for those who received one.
Census enumerators will be starting to make visits to households that have not yet completed the Census on August 11. For those who need computer access, Wifi, or other help, local branches of the Ruth Enlow Library in Accident, Friendsville, Grantsville, Kitzmiller or Oakland can assist.
The U.S. Census is required by the Constitution and the information it provides helps determine how many representatives a state gets in Congress. In addition, federal and State grants of all kinds rely on Census data to understand the area – funding for local schools, health care facilities, businesses and governments all relies on having the most accurate data possible, and every person missed costs the State about $18,000 in funding. All information provided to the Census has its privacy protected by law.
“A few clicks or a phone call now will save you a knock on the door later. Remember, ‘Garrett County Counts Because You Do!’” said Thomas Vose, chairman of the Complete Count Committee.
4 Things You Have Wrong About the Census
Myth #1: There’s a citizenship question.
False. There is no citizenship question on the Census. And, you do not need to be a citizen to be counted. The goal of the Census is to count every person living in the US.
Myth #2: My answers will be shared.
Incorrect. The law requires the Census Bureau to keep information confidential. The Census Bureau is only allowed to produce summary data that provides an overview of the population, but nothing representing specific individuals.
Myth #3: My answers could be used against me.
Never. The law prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing information with law enforcement or immigration enforcement agencies under Title 13. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits either.
Myth #4: The Census is like a survey – optional.
Wrong – it’s the law. Counting every person living in the United States is done every ten years following Article 1, Section 2 in the Constitution. Participating in the Census is how we get a true picture of America and we need everyone to respond.
