Talking Points
- Time is running out, but it’s not too late to respond to the 2020 Census. September 30th is the last day.
- Georgia is currently ranked 46th out of the 50 states in Census response, which means our state and county could lose a congressional seat and vital funding for services we use every day.
- A lot is at stake with the Census including money and political power for our communities.
- If 100% of DeKalb households are counted, DeKalb could receive $1.8 billion in Federal money every year for the next 10 years.
- It takes less than 10 minutes so please respond now at my2020census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.
- It’s safe, easy and important.
- Census takers are currently knocking on doors to collect responses from households that have not self-responded.
- Census takers will not come into your home. They will not ask for your social security, financials, or immigration status.
- If no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online at my2020census.gov, by phone or by mail.
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What is the Census?
The census is the count of every person in the United States by the U.S. Census Bureau. Mandated in the Constitution under Article I, Section 2, it has taken place every 10 years since 1790.
The census is critical for determining each state’s representation in Congress and the distribution of more than $650 billion in federal funding for vital programs like public education, public housing, roads and bridges, and much more.
Why Does the Census Matter?
The upcoming 2020 Census is critical for the future of DeKalb County. The census determines how critical resources and political power are distributed.
Our fair share of over $650 billion in federal funding is at stake. This includes funding for our school, affordable housing, roads and bridges, and much more.
If we are undercounted, we could lose up to seats in Congress, diminishing the power of our voices on Capitol Hill. DeKalb County Complete Count Committee is working to ensure that every DeKalb County resident is counted.
Who is counted in the Census?
Every One. The Census counts everyone living in the United States, regardless of citizenship status or age.
What information is asked on the Census?
The 2020 Census asks respondents for basic demographic information, such as birth date, sex, and race. It doesn’t ask for information about income, social security number, health, religion, citizenship, or voting history.
10 questions. 10 minutes.
When do I take the Census?
| March 12 – 20 | You will receive a postcard to respond online to the 2020 Census. Note: Some households will also receive paper questionnaires. |
| March 16 – 24 | You will receive a reminder postcard. |
| If You Haven’t Responded Yet | |
| March 26 – April 3 | You will receive a 2nd reminder postcard. |
| April 8 – 16 | You will receive a 3rd reminder postcard and a paper questionnaire. |
| April 20 – 27 | A final reminder postcard before they follow up in person. Note: They will only follow up in person 2 times |
How can I respond?
There are 4 ways to respond to the 2020 Census:
How much does it cost?
Taking the Census is free and no one should charge you.
I applied for a Census job
DeKalb County does not offer PAID Census jobs. Contact the Federal Census to find out your status for a PAID Census job – https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html
Bernita Smith
PROGRAM MANAGER
DeKalb County 2020 Census
Cell Phone: 470-433-6920
BDSmith@dekalbcountyga.gov
Marcus Grinage
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
DeKalb County 2020 Census
Office Phone: 404-371-2277
MLGrinage@dekalbcountyga.gov