We are quickly approaching the deadline for the 2020 Census. Emphasis has been placed on the importance for every household to be counted. Wednesday, September 30th is the last day to complete the form. You have several ways to do it by phone, mail or online, but you are running out of time if you have not done it yet. Be aware that census workers are now working in the community. Unfortunately, it seems that many are not taking advantage of this opportunity.
Any information obtained by the census, no matter how you respond, can only be used for the purpose intended. We need to understand the census is a national survey which is conducted every ten years by the federal government to determine how many people are living in the United States. Everyone needs to be counted. It really is that simple!
Keep in mind that $3,300 is lost with every person that does not complete the census. While that is important, we also need to think about the fact that the census will determine federal funding for communities to use on roads, schools, housing and social programs. Hundreds of billions of dollars will be distributed by the count of the census. Money that we do not receive by not having an accurate count will still go to another city. We must have an accurate count!
The census is conducted every ten years, so the results must be lived with for ten years! This is not only a financial issue, but it is also a representation issue. The outcome of the census will determine how many representatives each state will have in Congress for the next decade. Our count will weigh heavily on our vote! Being counted in the census makes your voice in voting louder!!!
So, I urge you, not only to complete your form if you have not, but to encourage others to do the same. Again, you can respond several ways! If you still have the form that was mailed to you in mid-March, just complete it and mail it back. There are no other blank forms to be given out. If you would like to respond over the phone, call 844-330-2020. There are different language options, so please do not let that hinder you. You can also respond online by going to www.2020census.gov. The questions are simple, and it will take five minutes or less to complete the process either way!
Note that the questions will apply to anyone in your household on April 1, 2020. It does not matter if they are family, friends or acquaintances. The census count is very important to our city, our county, our state and our nation. Doing your part is getting counted! We are willing to do our part by assisting you if needed. Residents can contact the El Dorado Water Utilities at 870-862-6451 if you need help. You can also contact my office at 870-862-7911.
We need to get 100% of our population counted, but everyone needs to play a part in making this happen. Churches, organizations, businesses, communities and families can organize a mass enrollment with your members. Everyone will benefit from an accurate count. During the 2010 Census the El Dorado population was determined to 18,883. We have since learned that only 67% of the population was counted. We have an opportunity to make it right this time! Let’s get counted, because everyone counts!!!
Veronica Smith-Creer is the Mayor of El Dorado. She can be reached at [email protected].