Today is Census Day, and now more than ever, it is important for Cayuga County to respond. Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and other important players will use the data from the 2020 Census to make critical decisions that will shape our community’s future.
Population counts will be used by the state legislature to redraw congressional districts. Based on this data, federal funds will be allocated to our community’s vital programs and services like our hospitals, fire departments, and school lunch programs. Businesses looking to locate or expand in Cayuga County will use this information to make decisions such as where to open new stores, restaurants, factories, or offices. Businesses will also use the data to decide where to recruit employees and which products and services to offer.
According to the U.S. Census website (https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html), Cayuga County had a “self-response rate” of 63.9% in 2010. “Self-responders” are those who complete the census form online, by mail, or by phone. Census employees make attempts to account for the remainder households by going door-to-door. Some parts of Cayuga County had low response scores including one tract in the city of Auburn where, according to a December The Citizen article, more than one quarter of households did not participate in the 2010 census.
Most households have already received an invitation to respond via mail. Anyone at least 15-years-old who lives in the household, knows general information about who lives there, and has internet access or a phone can respond to the census now. If a household does not respond or is in an area deemed unlikely to respond online or by phone, it will be mailed a paper questionnaire (“census form”). Details on how to respond including a link to respond online are available on the U.S. Census website: https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html Responses are kept confidential. Your personal information will not be shared with any other governmental department at the federal, state or local level.
Already responded? Share this blog post or the census response link (my2020census.gov) with a local friend or family member.
Now is the time to buck the low-response trend for Cayuga County. The census count directly impacts every person in our community. Let’s ensure Cayuga County receives the representation and resources we need.
