What is the 2020 Census?
Since 1790, the U.S. Census Bureau has conducted a census every ten years to determine the number of people living in the United States, as required by the U.S. Constitution.
Why is the 2020 Census Important to Glen Ellyn?
Participation in the Census is of critical importance to the Village of Glen Ellyn. Census data directly impacts local funding, electoral representation and local decisions:
- A complete count helps to make sure our community gets its fair share of more than $675 billion in federal funding per year. These federal dollars are spent on services such as healthcare, transportation, social welfare, schools and more.
- Responses are used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Census data gives community leaders vital information to make decisions about building community centers, opening businesses and planning for the future.
Is the 2020 Census Secure?
Responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure and protected by federal law. Answers can only be used to produce statistics and cannot be used against any person in any way. All responses to U.S. Census Bureau household and business surveys are kept completely confidential by law.
Protect Yourself from Potential Fraud
If you have already received mail or a home visit from someone claiming to be the Census Bureau, it may be a phishing scam. The Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails and will never ask for your social security number, bank account information, money or donation. If visited at home by a Census Bureau representative, you can ask to see their ID badge, which displays their picture and US Department of Commerce watermark. You can also contact the US Census Bureau to verify a census worker’s identity or report suspected fraud at 800-923-8282. For additional information on protecting yourself from possible fraud or scams associated with the 2020 US Census, please visit the 2020 Census website.
Additionally, please contact the Glen Ellyn Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 if you feel that you have been a victim of a phishing scam or visited by an individual who has falsely represented themselves as a Census representative.
Completing the 2020 Census
In mid-March, households will begin receiving official U.S. Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding:
A sample of the invitation letter that households will receive in mid-March inviting them to respond to the 2020 census online can be found here. The letter will contain the URL for an online submission, your personal Census ID and contact information.
A sample of the paper questionnaire that will be used during the 2020 census can be found here. You will receive this form in the mail if you do not respond by mid-April.
Census Programs and Events
The Glen Ellyn Public Library will host a variety of programs and events to inform and educate the community on the census, including:
- The 2020 Census: Why It’s Important Wednesday, March 25, 7-8:30 p.m. More information here.
- Census Day with Captain America and Wonder Woman Wednesday, April 1, 10 a.m. - noon. More information here.
- Discover Your Heritage with Census Data Thursday, April 9, 7-8:30 p.m. More information here.
Designated Computers to Complete the Census
Beginning March 15, the Glen Ellyn Public Library will provide four computers specifically designed for the public to use to respond to their questionnaire online. Library staff and volunteers from the League of Women Voters will be available to assist as needed.