To the Editor:

Ever wonder who wins all of the radio and TV sweepstakes contests that pop up in between your daily programming? Perhaps one day it was a chance to enjoy a tropical cruise, and the next day it was a contest to win tickets to your favorite band’s concert. Well, if you are one of the thousands who never was lucky enough to win a sweepstakes of the sort, I have some exciting news for you. If you fill out your 2020 census form for you and your family, you are guaranteed to win!

Hear me out. As we all know, the census is a federal effort to count and record populations every 10 years. This data is used for many extremely important purposes including, but not limited to, drawing political districts, distributing state and federal funding, prioritizing state infrastructure projects, implementing public social programs, and researching the changing dynamics of American populations. Over the next few weeks I will be writing to the North Country (and hopefully beyond) to extrapolate on each of the points I highlighted above, but today my main message is to update everybody with the current folly that is St. Lawrence County’s census response rates. St. Lawrence County, as of May 21st, has reported a response rate of an even 50% compared to the national average of 59.8%. In fact, 12 towns are currently reporting at less than 40%, with 3 of those reporting under 20%.

I have never known St. Lawrence County to be a below average county, so it is disappointing to see below average response rates, which might result in below average representation and funding! Imagine 10% less funding for school programs such as the arts or sports. Or 10% less funding for repairing roads and bridges that are already in jeopardy as it is! According to John Tenbusch, the head of the St. Lawrence County Complete Count Committee, every person who does not fill out the census costs the county about $2,000! Therefore, if you have any interest in helping your community and yourself, it is up to you to fill out the census and add to your county’s voice. If you haven’t had a chance yet, make sure you’ve filled out the census online at https://my2020census.gov/, or respond by phone by calling 844-330-2020. If you have responded already, make certain that your friends and family have responded as well. The opportunity to improve your communities with a simple phone call, or a quick online questionnaire comes once a decade, so seize the day St. Lawrence County!

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization open to all genders, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. To learn more about our local civic projects or to possibly join the League visit http://slc-leaguewv.org/.

Nicholas Filannino

Community organizer for League of Women Voters of St. Lawrence County