LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Make it count

Published 11:50 am Sunday, April 5, 2020

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Amid the pandemic, the 2020 US Census is still ongoing.

We need to remind everyone to please go ahead and complete their census.  All those that receive mail at their home should have already received two notifications to complete the census using the paper form, going online or calling the phone number to respond (844-330-2020).

If you get your mail at a PO Box or have recently moved, you may not have received anything yet.

Census workers were going to go to each door for any houses with addresses that were not verified and drop off materials.  This would include those with PO Boxes, like many Badin residents. Because of the coronavirus, this effort has been delayed.

Even without receiving the materials, anyone can go online and complete the census at www.2020census.gov. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

The 2020 Census is available in many languages when you respond online or by phone.

As of March 31st, 35 percent of Stanly residents have self-responded.  This is very good, but our goal is to get to over 80 percent. One area of the county has already passed a 45 percent response rate, while other areas are still around 25 percent.

We need to make sure everyone is counted one time and in the correct place.  The census will help determine our representation in the U.S. House and will
determine the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funds to state and local governments and agencies to assist our citizens and schools.

Corporations use this data to determine where to locate stores, hotels and restaurants. It is important for each person to be counted.

If you’ve not completed your census, take a few minutes and go online to 2020Census.gov to get counted and help shape our future.

Don’t forget the kids. The most undercounted group are youth under 6 years of age.

Once you’ve responded, please check with your friends and family members and
make sure they have completed their census. We don’t want to miss anyone.

Don’t forget that the information that you put into the Census is secure, confidential and protected under oath by Title 13 of the U.S. Code. The Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home or business to anyone including other federal departments or law enforcement agencies.

The information that the Census requires is typically no more than you would release to social media or other public venue. The Census does not ask for strictly confidential information such as social security numbers or banking information.

Thanks for making Stanly count.

Bob Remsburg

Stanly County Planning Director