The U.S. Census Bureau has sent out postcards to local residents encouraging participation in the nationwide population count conducted every 10 years.
Residents can respond to the census by visiting https://2020census.gov. The questionnaire also can be completed by phone at (844) 330-2020, or respond by mail with the paper questionnaire sent to your home.
An accurate count of individuals is essential to ensuring that municipalities and counties receive the federal dollars and resources that they are entitled to, amounting to approximately $675 billion nationwide, and to help communities to prepare and meet transportation and emergency readiness needs.
Each person not counted in the census can result in a loss of approximately $1,814 per year over the 10-year period, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.
The census also helps to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and political representation at all levels of government.