April 1, 2020, was Census Day. If you’ve already participated, thank you for shaping the future of Mecklenburg County by ensuring our community receives the valuable resources it needs, such as healthcare, education and transportation support.

In general, students in colleges and universities temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 virus will still be counted as part of this process.

If you haven’t completed the census because you’re concerned about how the data will be used, if your personal information will be safe, or what you will be asked, let us answer some of those questions for you here:

What if I don’t complete the census?

The U.S. Census is required by the U.S. Constitution. Though the U.S. Census has extended their timeline and temporarily suspended field operations due to Covid-19, we want to emphasize that it has never been easier or safer to respond to the census on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.

Will my personal information be safe?

Your responses will be safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Answers can only be used to produce statistics – they cannot be used against you in any way. The census will protect your data through the safest and best practices available.

What will I be asked?

Examples include: how many people are living or staying in your home, whether the home is owned or rented, the relationship of each person in your home, and others. You will not be asked about your citizenship status.

Why am I being asked about race and origin?

This information helps federal agencies monitor compliance with anti-discrimination provisions, such as the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act.

Don’t put Mecklenburg County at risk for losing funding by going under-counted in 2020. Make it count by completing the 2020 Census. For more info, visit MeckCounts2020.com.