Charlotte County residents who have not yet responded to the US Census 2020 survey have until Sept. 30 to complete the survey by phone or online. Through September, Census field workers will visit addresses across the nation where residents have not yet responded.
Once a response is received, no inperson visit from a Census worker is needed. The Census remains available to complete online (at my2020census. gov) or by phone (844-330-2020). It’s easy and secure.
The COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the need for an accurate population count. The projected population for Charlotte County is roughly 185,000 — significantly lower than the 250,000 needed to receive direct federal funding, as the larger neighboring counties of Lee and Sarasota do. This leaves organizations having to apply to the state for leftovers after larger communities receive their funds. A higher census count could determine how Charlotte competes with other counties that are also in the lower population bracket — which is why it’s critical for all residents to participate.
So far, approximately 62% of Charlotte County residents have self-responded (nearly 44% via the internet), slightly higher the state rate of 60%.
The U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that participation in 2020 Census interviews should present a low risk of transmission of COVID-19. Census takers are trained to:
¦ Wear face masks.
¦ Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more.
¦ Practice hand hygiene.
¦ Refrain from entering homes; conduct interviews outdoors as much as possible or practical.
Household members encountered by Census staff are encouraged to maintain social distances during interviews and practice the CDC’s other recommendations as much as possible.
The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Census statistics help determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and how billions of dollars in federal funds are allocated to state and local communities for the next 10 years.
For more information, visit 2020census.gov/en/census-takers. html. ¦
