The 2020 Census & Why it Matters for Ward 5
Money + Power
Money and power is ultimately what the 2020 Census can bring to the residents of Ward 5. Taken every ten years, the Census counts the population of the United States to determine the number of House of Representatives for each state. It also directs how much money states and local governments receive for community services and items such as housing districts and development, highway maintenance, traffic congestion, healthcare, hospitals, schools and early learning education, disaster relief and more. The census also helps businesses in planning ahead for developing future businesses whether they are movie theaters, banks, offices, and any other opportunities that might lead to new jobs.
Our Local Scorecard
How did we do in the last census? Manatee County as a whole had a response rate of 74% to the 2010 Census and 69% in the 2000 Census. The city of Bradenton had a response rate of 71% and 69% in the 2010 Census and 2000 Census, respectively. [Source]
This means that we left more than a quarter of our share of federal dollars and political power on the table because our communities were undercounted. Our ward can really use those funds for police and fire personnel, senior lunches, child care centers, new school construction, libraries, highway safety, public transportation, and new roads and bridges.
Responding to the Census
You can now respond online, by phone, or by mail.
For the first time ever, you’re able to complete your Census form online. The Census Bureau should have mailed you a document that has your 12-digit Census ID. Go to https://my2020census.gov/ to complete the census survey.
You also have the option of completing the questionnaire by phone. To begin, call 844-330-2020.
Myths + Facts
The US Census Bureau has a site dedicated to separating the facts from fiction.
Does the 2020 Census ask about citizenship status?
NO. The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.
Are non-citizens counted in the census?
YES. Everyone counts. The 2020 Census counts everyone living in the country, including non-citizens.
Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me?
NO. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.
Can I only take the census online?
NO. The 2020 Census will be available online, by phone, and by mail. Online and phone responses can be completed in 13 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese). A paper form will be mailed to every house that hasn’t responded already when we send our fourth mail piece out.
What questions WILL NOT be asked by the Census Bureau?
During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for:
Your Social Security number.
Money or donations.
Anything on behalf of a political party.
Your bank or credit card account numbers.
If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it's a scam, and you should not cooperate.
As of April 30, 2020, the city of Bradenton has a Census response rate of 47.2%. Please complete your census form as soon as possible! Let’s make Bradenton count!