THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Tracy Twisdale, a Vance County resident assisting a local non-profit with the 2020 U.S. Census, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Taken every decade since 1790, the census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories.

In March, homes across the country began receiving mailed invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Responses tell the U.S. Census Bureau how many people lived in a particular household as of April 1, 2020.

“The Census is done every ten years to give an accurate account of the people living in the United States,” explained Twisdale. “That count will determine how billions in federal funding is allocated for fire departments, hospitals, schools, roads and more. It also determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to draw state and congressional legislative districts. So, you’re basically shaping the future of the area around you as it relates to federal funding when you take a few minutes to complete the census.”

The census, which takes approximately five minutes to complete, includes questions on the age, race and gender of those living in the household as of April 1. According to Twisdale, no extra forms, paperwork or documentation is needed, and everyone in the household should be counted, including roommates, newborns, young children, and/or someone renting a space in the home.

The census can be completed by returning the original invitation via mail, by calling (844) 330-2020 or online at www.my2020census.gov.

With Vance County being labeled a “hard-to-count” community, which means, compared to other counties, Vance County residents are historically less likely to respond, Twisdale reminded Town Talk listeners that completing the census is required by law.

“According to the U.S. Code, if you are over 18 and you refuse to answer all or part of the census, you can be fined up to $100,” stated Twisdale. “If you give false information, your subject to a fine of up to $500. If you offer suggestions or information with the intent to throw off the count, you can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one year in prison.”

The 2020 U.S. Census website states that the U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect census answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that private information is never published and that answers cannot be used against a respondent by any government agency or court.

The deadline for census completion has been extended to an as-yet determined date due to COVID-19 restrictions. In the meantime, Twisdale said census takers will soon be going door-to-door to speak to those households who have not yet responded.

To hear the interview with Twisdale in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.