WHAT IS THE CENSUS AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

March marks the beginning of the decennial (once every decade) U.S. Census: Next month, official census forms will be mailed to millions of households across the nation.

For some people, this may be their very first census – a national count where all people living in the U.S. are to be tabulated by the government.  The census is a national priority and a nonpartisan duty that the federal government must perform, as it is explicitly mentioned as a duty in the Constitution under Article 1, Section 2: “Enumeration shall be made within every subsequent term of ten years.”

However, like all things that aren’t done on a more frequent, regular basis, information about the census can be unclear and accompanied by misconceptions.

For one: The Trump administration, hate it or love it has certainly brought the topic of unauthorized immigrants to the forefront of American politics. Some undocumented immigrants may be afraid of the census as they fear the survey will help ICE agents. Simultaneously in support and in contradiction of their suspicions, the census is used to count all people living in the United States – including the unauthorized.

Tom Scales, MHCC political science instructor, explained that the census “includes citizens, legal residents, undocumented immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, incarcerated people, etc.”. The census does not care about an individual’s status, only that they are living in the United States.

Americans aren’t exactly famous for their participation in the U.S. government, especially when it comes voting. However, unlike the voluntary act of voting, participating in the U.S. census is mandatory.

Some Americans question the validity of the census and why it is necessary, but the effects of an accurate counting of population serve only to benefit all of us, as a people.

There are 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are assigned, proportionately to the nation’s population, to get fairly accurate representation in Congress. States with a high population have the most representation there, which is why large states such as California or Texas overpower smaller states such as Oregon and Washington in political power.

In Oregon’s case, it is very likely that our state is increasing in its proportional size and could likely gain an additional U.S. House Representative – increasing Oregon’s political representation from seven, to eight representatives (U.S. senators and representatives combined).

In addition, as Scales noted, the census is “essential to ensure equitable distribution of over $800 billion in federal funds across the states and local communities each year.” If there are people who are not counted in the upcoming census, communities who are the most inaccurately represented stand to lose the most money that they should be getting.

Come March, most people will receive their census form by mail.  Scales added that households will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone.” If a person forgets to participate, there will be more reminders, which would eventually lead to a census worker to personally confirm and assist that person with the form.

The census remains one of history’s oldest responsibilities of the government. So, be sure to understand it and participate, so that you and your community get the representation you all deserve.

For more, see: 2020census.gov