Take 10 minutes to fill out the U.S. Census

Even as our attention is focused on the impacts of the novel coronavirus on our health, daily life, and the economy, we need to attend to a small chore that comes around only once every 10 years and only takes 10 minutes to finish. That chore – go online and fill out the 2020 U.S. Census.

 

Last week, Mayor Tecklenburg sent an email to city residents reminding them to complete the U.S. Census.

 

“Please make sure we all get counted!” he wrote. “2020 is the year for the federal government to complete the census and athe results of the census will have far reaching implications on our community. Data from the census will inform the federal government on spending billions of dollars over the next 10 years and that is why it is so important for you to complete the census.”

 

Completing the census also is important because census numbers are used to determine the number of representatives each state gets to send to the U.S. House of Representatives and is a great source of data for schools, local governments and businesses to use when determining whether and where to open, expand, and invest.

 

As of May 2, according to data collected by the Census Bureau, South Carolina’s response rate was 51.1%. That is below the national average of 56.2%.

 

Berkeley County’s response rate is better than the state’s rate but slightly below the national average at 56.1%. The City of Charleston’s response rate is 53.9%. The response rate for the 1st Congressional District was at 53.1%.

 

Let’s work together to improve those response rates. To complete the survey and be counted in the 2020 census, go to my2020census.gov. Encourage your friends to do so as well. The Census Bureau has even created social media graphics and resources to help spread the word. You can find those at 2020census.gov/en/how-to-help.html.

 

You can also complete the form by phone and in person. Please note that traditional door-to-door data collection was suspended in March due to the virus, but should begin again June 1. The bureau explained, “In-person activities, including all interaction with the public, enumeration, office work and processing activities, will incorporate the most current guidance to promote the health and safety of staff and the public. This will include recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing practices.”

 

Graduation Photos

 

Our high school graduation edition is set for June 4. As in previous years, we will publish photos of all the graduating seniors from our readership area. We already have all the seniors’ photos for Bishop England and Philip Simmons high schools, but we ask our readers to submit photos of all graduating seniors from the greater

Daniel Island area attending other public, private or online schools.

 

Send your student’s photo, together with name and school to boots@thedanielislandnews.com as soon as possible so we can recognize as many local students as possible.

 

We also offer opportunities for family and friends of graduates to honor their students with special messages in the paper. You can contact our marketing director Ronda Schilling for information on how to purchase a special recognition at ronda@thedanielislandnews.com.