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ACTION ALERT:
Completing the Census and voting are two of the most important ways you can participate in upholding democracy.
Learn how to complete the census and find the information you need to vote in Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DC in the digest below.
For a comprehensive guide on voting, including where to register, how to vote, and the various states' deadlines, please click on the button below. |
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U.S. CENSUS
"To have your voice count, you must be counted."
~Common Cause
The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years to count all people living in the United States. The census shapes our government, budgets and representation for the next decade.
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The 2020 census data will determine the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars yearly in federal spending which encompasses funding for hospitals and health care, fire departments, schools, roads, community centers, public infrastructure and other critical resources in each state. As of the fiscal year 2017, census-guided federal funding accounted for
$1.5 trillion in annual spending.
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The number of people counted in the census determines how district lines are drawn and how many seat numbers each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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This has a profound impact on how representative our government truly is, especially considering that people of color, particularly Black, Latinx and Native American communities, are at a higher risk of being undercounted.
For these reasons and more, it is crucial that as many people as possible complete the census.
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This year, you can respond online or by calling 844-330-2020. It only takes a few minutes.
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If you cannot respond online or by phone, the U.S. Census Bureau will mail out a paper questionnaire.
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Only 62.6% of households have responded thus far. Help spread the word by posting this on social media: “The 2020 census data will determine the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars yearly in federal spending, which encompasses funding for hospitals and health care
, fire departments, schools, roads, community centers, public infrastructure, and other critical resources in each state."
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Complete the census now at 2020census.gov
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VOTING INFORMATION & KEY DEADLINES
Voting is a critical function of our democracy and every vote counts. This year, for voter safety and election efficiency, it is highly encouraged that you vote early where your state allows, either by mail or in-person. There may be an unprecedented influx of voters casting their votes by mail this year; therefore, if you are eligible to vote by mail, it is especially important that you request and submit your ballot as early as possible and at least two weeks ahead of the election, so that you can receive it, vote, and return it before the election.
Below are key voting deadlines in MD, NC, VA and DC: | |
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Maryland instructions and eligibility information can be found here
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North Carolina instructions and eligibility information can be found here
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Virginia instructions, application and eligibility information can be found here
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Washington, DC information can be found here
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