Census 2020 is coming your way

FINGER LAKES--Households in the Finger Lakes, along with the rest of America, will begin to receive their 2020 census forms in the mail starting March 12. The U.S. government is mandated by the constitution to attempt to count every resident of America once every 10 years, the results of which are used to determine congressional districts, federal funding and more.
The 2020 census is unique in that it will be the first census to allow every household to respond online, by phone or by mail.
"The 2020 Census is on mission, on schedule, and on budget to promote an accurate count. Response is important because statistics from the census are used in distributing where hundreds of billions in funding for school lunches, hospitals, roads and much more. The invitations will remind respondents to include everyone living in the household, whether they are related or not. This includes young children. Your response will impact communities for the next decade," said Dr. Steven Dillingham, Census Bureau director.
Timeline of the 2020 Census according to the U.S. Census Bureau includes:
• March 12 - 20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mailings with instructions on how to respond to the 2020 Census either online, by phone, or by mail.
• March 30 - April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness.
• April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide.
• April: Census takers will begin visiting college students, seniors living in senior centers and other areas with large groups.
• May - July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census in an attempt to make sure everyone is counted.
• December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to President Donald Trump and Congress as required by law.
• March 31, 2021: By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to every state. This information is what is used to redraw legislative districts based upon population changes.