By Gary Joiner
TFB Radio Network Manager

Texas residents will receive an invitation early next year to participate in the 2020 Census, and an accurate count is important for the state, especially rural Texas.

In February or March, a postcard will ask each Texas home to respond to a short census questionnaire online, by phone or by mail.
The 2020 Census marks the first time that responses can be submitted online.

The results of the census determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and the number of electoral votes in presidential elections. Texas is expected to pick up as many as three new Congressional seats from the 2020 Census.

Results are also used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. Businesses rely on data from the census for market research, locations and economic development.

“It’s very important that our Texas census count is as accurate as possible,” said Texas Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs Regan Beck. “Everyone needs to participate. The census count in rural Texas is particularly important, because there is a risk of losing rural representation with so much population growth in other areas of the state since the last census count in 2010.”

The Center for Public Policy Priorities noted one in four rural Texas residents does not have broadband service, which could possibly lower census response rates from outlying areas.

The center estimated $300 million per year in federal program funding could be lost from a one percent census undercount in Texas.
Census Bureau employees have been in Texas this year canvassing addresses, which helps ensure everyone receives an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.

The Census Bureau will begin in May visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted. In December 2020, the Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the president and Congress, as required by law.

By March 31, 2021, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.

The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790. For more information, visit https://2020census.gov.