Exceeds national (59.6%) and state (64.6%) rates, though pandemic threatens goal of 95% participation
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 19, 2020) – According to data from 2020census.gov, residents of Lansing, Illinois, are outperforming the state and the nation in terms of 2020 Census response rates. As of May 19, Lansing’s response rate is 68.6%, compared to 64.6% throughout the state of Illinois and 59.6% throughout the country.
Lansing’s Complete Count Committee is hoping to dramatically improve over the response rate for the 2010 Census, which was 76%. The committee had set a goal of at least 95% participation last October, and the first few months of 2020 saw committee members at numerous community events, handing out census information. Census 2020 giveaways included tote bags, water bottles, lanyards, and chip clips, along with flyers explaining the benefits of being counted.
The Complete Count Committee had also planned to host a “Census Fiesta” at the Lansing Public Library and another “Participation Party” at Fox Pointe, but the stay-at-home order that went into effect on March 21 put those plans on hold. For the time being, the committee is relying on social media, online advertisements, yard signs, and vinyl banners to remind Lansing residents to take the 2020 Census. In addition, video footage of “trusted voices” explaining the importance of being counted was shot—before the pandemic began impacting Lansing—but those video messages have not yet been released.
Village Clerk Vivian Payne is Chair of the Complete Count Committee, and in her role as an elected official she understands the need for Lansing to be completely counted. “Now more than ever, it is extremely important for Lansing residents to complete their 2020 Census questionnaire,” she said. “We must get everyone counted in order to receive adequate federal funding for crucial services such as police, fire, schools, and community infrastructure upgrades.”
Payne also emphasized that this is the only chance residents will have to be counted for the next decade. “Lansing’s response rate will impact our Village for the next 10 years, so our future depends on making sure everyone gets counted this year!” she said.
People who have already completed the census report that it takes less than 10 minutes. The most efficient way to participate in the 2020 Census is online at the following secure site:
- https://my2020census.gov
Is there a way that some of us could make phone calls to those who have not yet responded? However, I imagine that releasing phone numbers of those not responding would be ‘difficult’ due to privacy issues. I’m already signed up on the Census 2020 website as a worker. Is it possible for the committee to see if its possible? I have lots of free time now in which to do this — and so do other people!!