DSUSD Urges Completion of Census Survey

Desert Sands Unified School District is urging residents to fill out the U.S. Census survey they received in the mail a few months ago or complete the short survey online by clicking here right away because time is running out.

The timeframe for the census — which is conducted once every 10 years — was adjusted due COVID-19. The deadline to respond is Sept. 30. The pandemic has also had an effect on community outreach relative to increasing awareness and participation in the 2020 census, resulting in lower participation rates compared with previous censuses for our area. Fewer responses will be felt by local schools, hospitals, fire departments and other community services that receive federal dollars based on census reporting data. The U.S. Census Bureau provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers and many others use to provide daily services, products and support for everyone.

“Please help us shape your future by participating in the 2020 Census. Your response will help us secure a better future for our students, our schools, and our community. We’re counting on you!” DSUSD Superintendent Scott Bailey said in a prepared statement.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and are used to configure congressional and state legislative districts.

Some may think that participating in the census is optional. It is actually required by law. There are three ways to respond — online, by mail, or by phone. The easiest and most expedient way to get it done is online. The questions that are asked are related to demographics. To be counted, the government needs to know exactly who is living in each dwelling and a little about them. Personal information other than your name, telephone number, gender, and ethnicity is not needed nor asked. You will not be asked your social security number, bank account, or credit card information or anything on behalf of a political party. And you will never be asked to pay anything.

Census information is kept strictly confidential, and the data is used for statistical purposes, only. Under Title 13, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you to anyone — including law enforcement or immigration agencies. The law protects your private data, and answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. You are kept anonymous. Further, if you choose to fill out the census online, you should know that the technology infrastructure is secure and designed to defend and protect against cyber threats.

Your 2020 census form arrived in your mailbox a few months ago. If you misplaced that form, all you have to do is go to www.2020census.gov and answer the questions that will only take a few minutes to complete. More information on why the census is so important and the specific questions asked and how the information will be used can be found at the website as well.

Due to the low response in our community, census takers have begun going door-to-door asking for your assistance with this very important national project. Census takers follow all local public health guidelines. They are wearing masks and have completed COVID-19 training. They are easily identified by a valid government ID badge that includes their photo, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Information should be given at the door with no need for the census taker to enter your home. If you are not home when the census taker visits, a notice will be left at your door with instructions on how to provide information.