Over the next several weeks you are likely to hear a lot about the 2020 Census. Every ten years, we work to count every single person living here to make sure we have all the right services in the right places. An undercount can result in too few fire trucks or other emergency services in one area, so the stakes are pretty high.
For the first time in US history, you can complete your census response on-line. This means no need to set aside the mailing when it arrives, find a pen, and get it back into the mail without pizza grease telling them the true story of your life. Now, you can visit www.2020census.gov to be counted quickly and conveniently!
For some people, though, internet access at home is too spotty (or completely non-existent), which could make this seem pretty daunting. That’s why the great people at our local libraries have been trained to help!
I recently visited the Southeast Steuben County Library to “check out” the census scene there (pun intended!) Spoiler alert: IT WAS SO EASY!
The first thing I did was walk up to the information desk and ask for help with the census. One of the friendly staff members immediately handed me this useful bookmark.
Then she walked me over to the computer lab, where I was given a guest log-in. Anyone can get one of these, even if you don’t have a library card!
The last step was to type 2020 Census into the search bar, and the correct website popped right up.
In fewer than 5 minutes, I was at the correct website and ready to do my civic duty. Plus, I was at the library with an hour of free, fast internet all to myself and a giant room full of books, games, movies, and fun activities all waiting for me to borrow them. You can COUNT ME IN for that kind of afternoon anytime!