by Yashvardhan Chauhan

Have you completed the 2020 Census yet? If not, you still have plenty of time as the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the deadline to complete the 2020 Census from the end of July to October 31st in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's now easier than ever to complete, since for the first time you can choose to respond online, by phone, or by mail. The more people who complete the census using these methods, the less people will have to go door to door, which is especially important during these times of social distancing. Additionally, the survey only consists of 12 questions and should take no more than 10 minutes in total to complete. Not only that, but unlike in previous years there will no longer be a question about citizenship status on the 2020 census, which means that there really is no reason not to fill it out. The census counts everyone citizens and non-citizens alike.

Although some may still view the census as an unnecessary hassle, it is of far greater importance than many individuals realize as it provides critical data that helps determine where billions of dollars in federal funding go. Perhaps just as importantly, the census also determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, which mirrors the number of delegates each state has in the Electoral College (which is the group that decides who becomes the president and vice president of the United States). As such, the census is critical in ensuring that each and every state is represented fairly at the national level.