What is the Census?

The United States Census is a national population count that occurs every ten years. It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.

Click here to learn more about the general U.S. Census.

Why does is matter?

The 2020 Census will help decide how billions of dollars will reach our community. Census answers will help determine funding for dozens of programs that provide essential resources to Californians. Census data determines funding allocations for schools, child care programs, road maintenance projects and social assistance programs. In addition, the 2020 Census will ensure the health and wellness of our families and neighborhoods. Census data informs where new hospitals should be built, improve health programs, and increase jobs and business opportunities. Lastly, the 2020 Census will determine the number of representatives California has in the U.S. House of Representatives and the number of votes we have in the Electoral College. Census data will also be used to redraw State Assembly and Senate boundaries. Participating in the 2020 Census ensures that you and your communities have fair representation!

Click here to learn more about the California Census count. Click here for L.A. County specifics.

OUR GOAL AT LWVLA: 

Our 2020 Census goals are to ensure that hard to count populations across Los Angeles, with a focus on the north-east communities, are accurately counted, and strengthen the voice of underrepresented communities for long-term economic, social and political opportunities. Our objective is to implement a 13- month outreach campaign to connect underrepresented residents of LA County with accurate information about the 2020 Census and encourage participation. We will work with regional partners and government agencies to provide outreach coverage to the entire County and Northeast Los Angeles' hard to count communities.

FIND CENSUS FACT SHEETS BELOW