U.S. Census 2020

The City of Lockhart supports the 2020 U.S. Census. Getting a complete count in the Census, which occurs every 10 years, is important to citizens of every community for myriad reasons that include:

• How many representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives
• How the lines are drawn that define congressional and state legislative districts.
• It provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

Have you received your invitation to participate? The online questionnaire is officially live. Go here to complete your 2020 U.S. Census.

Census ending October 15, 2020

Census Bureau Statement on 2020 Census Data Collection Ending

OCT. 13, 2020 — As of today, well over 99.9% of housing units have been accounted for in the 2020 Census. Self-response and field data collection operations for the 2020 Census will conclude on October 15, 2020.

Specifically:

• Internet self-response will be available across the nation through October 15, 2020 until 11:59 pm Hawaii Standard Time (HST), (6:00 am Eastern Daylight Time on October 16, 2020) Click here to respond today.
• Phone response will be available for its regularly scheduled time on October 15, 2020. Click here for schedule and a list of numbers.
• Paper responses must be postmarked by October 15, 2020.
• Non-response follow-up census takers will continue resolving nonresponding addresses through the end of the day on October 15, 2020.

The U.S. Census Bureau is currently updating 2020Census.gov, Census.gov, as well as all external and internal guidance to reflect the schedule update.

Frequently asked questions (and answers)

Why is it conducted?

It’s in the U.S. Constitution and is required every 10 years. The last one was performed in 2010, so the time has come.

When does it start?

The U.S. Census Bureau’s awareness campaign in which many local governments participate ramped up in January. Forms will start hitting residents’ mailboxes in March. The Bureau’s plan is to begin getting people to fill out the forms on April 1. Follow up notices will be sent to households between April and July.

Do I have to participate?

Yes. It’s mandatory. Those who don’t participate may be subjected to fines.

Is it for U.S. citizens only?

No. You only need to be a resident. The questionnaire asks about citizenship but does not ask for a Social Security number or about any financial matters.

What does it ask?

The questions include the names, ages, sex and dates of birth of people living in the household.

Will the U.S. Census Bureau share my answers with law enforcement or any other entities?

No. The information you share with the U.S. Census Bureau is confidential. The Bureau says there are safeguards built in to protect private information.

How can we fill it out?

The form can be filled out online, by mail and by phone.

How is it tied to money?

According to the Texas Demographic Center, the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on Census data. The money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other programs. An undercount of the Texas population of just 1 percent could translate to a statewide loss of about $300 million in federal funding for those programs in communities within the state, according to the Center.

How about representation in the U.S. Congress?

The trend has been that the state has gained representation in Congress after each Census. Texas received two additional seats in 1990 and 2000, and four seats following the 2010 Census.