You should have received, or will soon receive, an envelope in your mail informing you to login to the census website and fill out your census form. You can find the U.S. Census Timeline at 2020census.gov.
While most people hear the argument to fill out the census so individual states receive their “fair share” of Federal dollars, the real reason the census was instituted is in the United States Constitution and was amended in 1868 as part of the 14th Amendment.
The purpose of the census is clearly stated:
“Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers…”
“The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such manner as they shall by Law direct.”
The primary reason you want to fill out the census is to make sure your state gets the correct apportionment of Representatives to the House of Representatives. As states increase in population, so does their voice in Congress. And Arizona is certainly becoming a more populated state.
This will be the first census conducted online as well as by phone and mail. When you receive your envelope, read the directions to choose which response type you prefer. Remember, the count is of who is living in your home as of April 1, 2020. The general rule of thumb is to count everyone living with you, but for some people it may be confusing. People in the military, people with no permanent address, military personnel, etc. To find out more about the Residence Criteria, go to 2020census.gov.
Of course, along with counting people for purposes of taxes and representation, is the apportionment of federal dollars we have become used to in recent decades. For fast growing states, cities, towns and counties, those dollars become very important when planning needed infrastructure, facilities and social services. The State of Arizona has a website detailing what the 2020 Census means for our State.
You don’t need to wait for the official 2020 Census letter to arrive in your mail. You can take the census now; online at the 2020 Census website, online at the Arizona Census 2020 website, by phone ( 1-844-330-2020) or by returning the 2020 Census envelope you find in your mail.
Arizona has seen major growth over the last ten years, and we’re on track for more. The 2020 Census is our opportunity to ensure that every Arizonan in every corner of our state is included and that we maximize our opportunities for future growth.
— Governor Doug Ducey
The census matters and will serve as a guiding tool us as we plan for the next decade in Arizona. Every Arizonan counts and we’re committed to working statewide to share the message that the census is safe, easy and important.
— Debbie Johnson, Chair, Arizona Complete Count Committee