US Census Self-Report Deadline Shortened
At the beginning of 2020, the Chamber outlined all the ways that this year’s Census would impact West Texas. Getting everybody counted means more elected representation and more funding for highway construction, local schools, and area hospitals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the self-report deadline for the Census was initially moved back to October 31. However, this week the US Census Bureau announced that the deadline would be moved up to September 30.
So while everyone still has several weeks to complete the Census by phone, by mail, or online, it shortens the window of time people have to self-report. This could jeopardize the total count and result in lost elected representation and inadequate tax dollars being reallocated back to West Texas.
What can you do about it? For starters, fill out the Census for your household if you haven’t already. Call and check in on friends and family to make sure they know how to fill theirs out. Set aside a moment at the office and encourage your co-workers to complete the Census if they haven’t already.
According to the US Census website, Texas’ response rate so far is just 58% as of August 4. That ranks 39th out of the 50 states and is below the national average of 63.1%. Lubbock County’s response rate so far is slightly above the state average at 58.5%.
Why is getting a complete count so important for Lubbock and West Texas? Consider the changing dynamics within the state of Texas. Eight suburbs along the I-35 corridor and in the Houston area are among the 25 fastest growing cities in America. In February, the Houston Chronicle reported that the 22 counties running along the I-35 corridor had more new registered voters since 2016 than the other 232 counties in Texas combined.
It is not new for West Texans to be outnumbered by the I-35 corridor in votes and elected representation. But the gap is widening fast, and an undercount of the 2020 Census in our area would only further exacerbate the matter.
So be aware of the new September 30 deadline. Explain to your friends, family, and colleagues the importance of completing the Census on time. Everyone can learn more about how to complete the Census on the US Census Bureau website.
So while everyone still has several weeks to complete the Census by phone, by mail, or online, it shortens the window of time people have to self-report. This could jeopardize the total count and result in lost elected representation and inadequate tax dollars being reallocated back to West Texas.
What can you do about it? For starters, fill out the Census for your household if you haven’t already. Call and check in on friends and family to make sure they know how to fill theirs out. Set aside a moment at the office and encourage your co-workers to complete the Census if they haven’t already.
According to the US Census website, Texas’ response rate so far is just 58% as of August 4. That ranks 39th out of the 50 states and is below the national average of 63.1%. Lubbock County’s response rate so far is slightly above the state average at 58.5%.
Why is getting a complete count so important for Lubbock and West Texas? Consider the changing dynamics within the state of Texas. Eight suburbs along the I-35 corridor and in the Houston area are among the 25 fastest growing cities in America. In February, the Houston Chronicle reported that the 22 counties running along the I-35 corridor had more new registered voters since 2016 than the other 232 counties in Texas combined.
It is not new for West Texans to be outnumbered by the I-35 corridor in votes and elected representation. But the gap is widening fast, and an undercount of the 2020 Census in our area would only further exacerbate the matter.
So be aware of the new September 30 deadline. Explain to your friends, family, and colleagues the importance of completing the Census on time. Everyone can learn more about how to complete the Census on the US Census Bureau website.
