Time Running Out For 2020 Census

In just under a week —next Wednesday, September 30 — all U.S. Census Bureau offices are scheduled to complete their counting for the 2020 Census. This is after officials previously extended this year's count to October 31 because of complications from the COVID-19 pandemic. But following pressure from the Trump administration, the Census Bureau announced in August that it would end counting a month early.

According to a study at the American Statistical Association, the hurried deadline could mean 37 states will not reach the Census Bureau’s goal to collect responses from 99 percent of households on its address list. Illinois, included among those states, is widely expected to lose at one seat in Congress and the Electoral College. But a severe undercount could mean the loss of two seats.

If you have not filled out your census form, there is still time. Through September 30, you can self-respond at my2020census.gov, or call (844) 330-2020.

Guests:

Anita Banerji, Director of the Democracy Initiative at Forefront 

Griselda Vega Samuel, Regional Counsel for MALDEF (the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) 

Susan Odum, Extension Specialist, Community Development for the University of Illinois Extension