CHAMPAIGN — With many households still uncounted, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and Champaign-Urbana community leaders at a press conference this morning to encourage residents of Champaign County to complete the 2020 census.

“The census is quick and easy—it only takes a few moments to complete,” Bennett said. “The census determines the amount of federal funding and representation our communities receive. Champaign County is currently at risk of losing up to two congressional districts based on our current response rates.”

Across Champaign County, participation in the 2020 Census is lower than in the 2010 Census. Only 67.4% of residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 70.4% of residents in 2010.  The group urges all residents to fill out their census forms it is the only way to accurately account for the entire county.

“It is crunch time. There are less than 30 days to make sure that every single person in the state is counted in the census,” Ammons said. “Funding and resources that our communities desperately need for the next ten years are on the line. So do your part. Get counted at my2020census.gov today!” 

Historically, the census has undercounted certain key constituencies—including young children, people of color, urban and rural low-income households—at disproportionately high rates.

Higher self-response rates means fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in person. This year, census surveyors are putting their and their families’ health at risk of COVID-19, and limiting visits may mean saving lives.

"It’s very important for the future of this county that the people complete their census forms," Rose said. 

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has staff dedicated to helping people through the census completion process. There are additional assistance hubs located at the University YMCA and the City of Urbana.

Residents can also complete the census for their household at my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.