1. Everyone Counts! How Leagues can support the Census 2020
Census 2020 Caucus
LWVC Convention May 31st, 2019
Julie Cates, LWV Santa Clara County Census Representative
Jenny Avina, LWV San Diego

2. Should Leagues Support the Census?
Yes!
The Census drives political representation, state funding
The Leagues’ mission is to see that all voices are represented
Leagues’ work to educate voters, increase voter turn-out drives census work is instrumental to an accurate census

3. Census 2020 -- Topics Census Overview Census Process What’s Happening
How You Can Help

4. Why Do We Need a Census? Article 1, Section 2 of the US Constitution
The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.
Key Purpose is Apportioning the US House of Representatives

5. Why Does the Census Matter?
$675 Billion distributed annually
Of that, California receives over $76 billion
Funding is distributed based on Census data
Funding
Congressional representation
Reapportionment and redistricting
Political Power
1990 undercount  California LOST a
Congressional seat

6. Funding Impacts for California

7. What Happened in 2010? 73% Mail Response Rate (76% in 2000)
Enumerators
10 Million Californians responded by an enumerator visit

8. Obstacles and Challenges
California has 10 of the most populous counties in the nation
First Digital Census
Political Climate
Hard to Count (HTC) Populations
Response rate in HTC is lower than 70%
Examples: 0-5, older adults, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, etc.
U.S. Census Bureau
Fewer than 7 in 10 households said they intend to fill out the census form
Barriers to Response
Lack of knowledge
Apathy
Confidentiality and privacy concerns
Fear of repercussions
Distrust of government

9. Hard to Count Populations
Children aged 0-5
Immigrants
Residents who do not speak English
LGBTQ
Homeless and Housing Instable
Seniors, Disabled
Partner with County agencies, cities, community organizations to reach out to these groups

11. Citizenship Question
State of CA v. Ross was combined with City of San Jose and Black Alliance for Just Immigration v. Ross (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California)
Trial: January 2019
Status: Judge Richard Seeborg blocked the citizenship question
New York v. U.S. Department of Commerce
Trial: November 2018
Status: Judge Jesse M. Furman blocked the citizenship question
US Supreme Court bypassed the appeals court and heard oral arguments on April 23
Santa Clara County, et al. filed an amicus brief on April 1, 2019 in opposition of the citizenship question
Kravitz v. U.S. Department of Commerce (U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland)
Status: pending decision

12. Federal Timeline Census.gov

13. Census 2020 Roles U.S. Census Bureau State of California
Local Government
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Complete Count Committee
City of San Jose

14. How Leagues Can Help
Fall 2019: Hold census outreach and education events
Partner with organizations to expand reach
2H 2019: Help recruit for Census positions
Enumerators needed June-Sept 2020: Flexible hours, $30/hour
Good candidates at Community colleges, community organizations
March-April 2020: Provide technical assistance to complete census online
Senior centers, libraries, community centers
Hold Train the trainer workshops January – February 2020
Ongoing: Share census information via social media
Facebook, Twitter

15. How Leagues Can Help
Fall 2019: Hold census outreach and education events
Partner with organizations to expand reach
2H 2019: Help recruit for Census positions
Enumerators needed June-Sept 2020: Flexible hours, $30/hour
Good candidates at community colleges, community organizations
March-April 2020: Provide technical assistance to complete census online
Senior centers, libraries, community centers
Hold Train the trainer workshops January – February 2020
Ongoing: Share census information via social media
Facebook, Twitter

16. For More Information LWV US: Census Action Kit
Citizenship question: points-templates/talking-points-citizenship-question-2020-census
US Census Bureau
Overview Info, Fact sheets, Job Info, Census data
California Census
Overview, Complete Count Committees, Regions, Funding, News
Check with your county and city for Census plans

17. Questions? Suggestions? Contact Us!
Julie Cates, LWV Santa Clara County Census Representative
Jenny Avina, LWV San Diego