WACO, Texas — Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is still urging the nation's population to complete the 2020 census.
In short, the census is used to determine congressional representation and government funding for the next 10 years.
Marian Wilson is a teacher. She completed the 2020 census back in early March outside of Waco City Hall.
"I'm all about the census because it helps funds the education for our babies," Wilson said.
She said filling out the census was simple.
"It was extremely easy. It's fuss free and takes about five minutes to do it."
Once every decade, the census counts the people living in the United States. In mid-March, homes began receiving invitations to complete the census in one of three ways: By phone, by mail and - for the first time - online.
When you respond, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
"Today is not the deadline, but it is what’s called Census Day, where there is a huge push to try to get counties counted in each community across the United States," City of Waco Councilman Hector Sabido said.
Sabido is a part of the Census Complete Count Committee in McLennan County. He said that due to the coronavirus the government has suspended certain operations.
"Normally you would see field surveyors out in our community, you will not see them because of the COVID-19 situation," Sabido said.
Deadlines have also been pushed back. Households can now self-respond until August 14 instead of through July 31.
"You can do it from the comfort of your own home, on your iPad or laptop, you can call it in, but the push is to get people to really fill it out today,” Sabido said.
You can find McLennan County Census information click here.
For Bell County Census information click here.
For 2020 Census operational adjustments click here.
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