We’re Counting On You To Make Sure Marion Counts
What is the census?
The U.S. census is the counting of the national population that occurs every 10 years.
Why do we need to participate?
Two main reasons the census is important to you and to Marion County:
1. An accurate census makes sure you are represented in government.
The primary constitutional purpose for the census is to determine the correct number of congressional seats each state will have for the next 10 years.
2. The census directly impacts the funding our county will receive over the next decade.
Population counts from the census help determine how $800 billion in federal funding is given to states, counties and cities across the US. We must count everyone in Marion County so we receive the right funding for our community.
Are my answers kept safe and confidential?
Yes, your information is confidential. The U.S. Census Bureau never identifies you individually. It combines your responses with information from other households or businesses to produce statistics, which never identify your household, any person in your household, or business.
Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties. In addition, other federal laws, including the Confidential Statistical Efficiency Act and the Privacy Act reinforce these protections. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.
No law enforcement agency (DHS, ICE, FBI or CIA) can access or use your personal information at any time. Data collected can only be used for statistical purposes that help inform important decisions, including how much federal funding our community will receive.
What questions will I be asked?
You will be asked a few simple questions, like age, sex, and the number of people who live in your home, including children.
What information will NOT be asked?
The Census Bureau will never ask for:
Social Security numbers
Bank or credit card account numbers
Money or donations
Your citizenship status
Anything on behalf of a political partyf
What if I forget to respond?
If you haven’t responded by April 2020, you will receive a reminder and will eventually receive a paper questionnaire in the mail. Census workers will only visit households that did not respond to the Census survey in late April through early August 2020.
If I share my house with people who are not in my immediate family, how should I complete the census?
The Census Bureau encourages residents to complete one form per household to the best of your ability. However, if two families live in one house and complete two separate forms under the same address, the U.S. Census Bureau will merge those surveys. No individual will be left out.
What if I am moving or share custody of children with another parent?
Census Day is April 1, 2020. If you’re moving or share custody of children, count yourself and your kids where they will be located on April 1, 2020.
How is the information collected going to be used?
Data from the census provide the basis for distributing billions of dollars in federal funds annually to communities across the country to support vital programs—impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.
The data is also used to determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts. A complete count gives Tennessee and Marion County the strongest possible voice in Washington DC.
How will the US Census Bureau contact me and how should I respond?
For the 2020 Census, you can respond online, by mail, by phone, or through an in-person interview.
To participate in the US Census online, visit www.census.gov