Friend,

In mid-January, Alaskans got a head start on taking the US Census when it kicked off in Tookok Bay. The US Census Bureau begins the tally in Alaska before the rest of the country because many villages are easier to access in the winter when roads are frozen.

But like so many other things right now, the coronavirus pandemic forced Census takers to change their plans and suspend in-person visits. Because the Census Bureau did not advertise alternative methods for remote Alaskans to take the Census, Alaska has the lowest completion rate in the country.

The Census is taken every ten years to count every person living in the United States and collects data on age, race and household size. The information collected determines how more than $800 billion in federal funds gets distributed for things like education and infrastructure.

And our current public health crisis shows just how important the Census is. Funding for public health, emergency response, medical infrastructure, and social and economic benefits all depend on the Census.

Ready to be counted? You can take the Census online at 2020census.gov. You do not need a code to complete it online. If you did not receive the Census in the mail or don’t have it handy, you can select “If you do not have a Census-ID, click here.” It should only take 10 minutes to complete.

You can also take the Census over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. There are increased wait times due to scaled-back staffing, but the phones are open every day until 10 pm AKDT.

SHARE THIS information with every Alaskan you know so that Alaska gets its fair share.

For more information and resources, check out the Alaska Counts website: alaskacounts.org.

Taking the Census is a simple thing you can do at home that has a big impact on your community. If you already took the Census, forward this email to your friends and family, or share 2020census.gov on social media.

Thanks!

Alyse