The census mandated by the Constitution has been conducted nationwide every 10 years since 1790. The 2020 census started April 1. And now we are seven weeks into the survey and Windham County has the second lowest county response rate in the whole state with a return rate of only 35.4% as of May 20. The average return rate for Vermont is an anemic 50.7%, the fourth lowest return rate in the country. For such an engaged and public spirited state how is it that 46 other states are participating in the census at higher and in many cases much higher rates?
I do not get it. The Census Bureau has made it gut easy to respond online. Put www.my2020census.gov into your internet browser. It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey and the information asked for is not intrusive.
Vermont’s response pattern should be of concern to those of us living in rural communities, since the more populated areas have much higher return rates than rural areas, even here in Windham County. If the response rates remain the same through the end of the census those urban areas, because of a more accurate picture of the number of people in those communities, will have advantages in the receipt of state and federal funds; more representation in the House and Senate in Vermont; and an easier time securing state assistance for planning, road repair and construction, support for the arts, emergency services if needed, and support for housing and job development.
Replying to the census is a constitutional responsibility for all of us. The knowledge gained through the census underwrites the constitutional mandate of one person one vote and equal representation for all. I know many people are concerned about our government and many are not happy with the federal government at all but do not cut off your nose to spite your face. Not filling out the census form will in many ways diminish your quality of life in the long run and deny all of us in rural America fair representation.
Get it done!
David L. Deen
Westminster, VT
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