Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Alabama, emailed constituents urging them to fill out the Census.
“The #FinalCountdown to complete your 2020 Census response is on,” Roby wrote. “The September 30 deadline is quickly approaching, and it’s critical that Alabamians participate.”
“The state of Alabama currently ranks last in the nation for Census responses,” Roby continued. “The Census is vital for our state’s congressional representation in Washington and the federal funding we receive which helps to bring improvement and growth to our communities.”
“Starting tomorrow, September 15, my office will begin a Final Countdown initiative lasting 15 days, challenging each of the 15 counties across the Second District to partake in the Census,” Roby said. “The future of Alabama is in our hands. It’s up to each of us to do our part and participate. Respond now at my2020census.gov.”
Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, is also urging constituents to fill out the Census.
“Alabama, we only have a couple more weeks to get counted! It’s quick & easy to fill out the Census—mail in your Census form, visit Census2020.gov or call (844) 330-2020. So make it count & encourage your friends & family to participate as well,” Jones said.
Alabama is currently projected to lose one, and possibly two, congressional districts if all Alabamians are not counted. The state would also receive a smaller share of federal funds. The state will lose an Electoral College vote for each lost congressional district.
“I’ve said it since our March kick-off, and I will say it again: Alabama stands to lose too much if we do not reach our goal of maximum participation,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “This isn’t just money for our state — it’s money for our small communities, for our educational systems, for our roads and for our children. There is simply too much community funding at stake here to disregard this final call.”
Ivey’s office — alongside the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and Alabama Counts! — has worked since March to ensure participation numbers statewide meet the mark.
On Sept. 2, the state launched the Alabama Census Bowl, in which low-responding counties have the chance to win $65,000 for their schools through Census participation.
“It takes a matter of six minutes to play your part in determining the future of our state by completing the census,” Ivey said. “These integral six minutes will determine what our communities will look like, what our children’s education will be, and even what our healthcare can provide throughout the next decade.”
Socially distanced door-to-door Census takers are also targeting households statewide that have not turned in the Census themselves. Those efforts are set to end by the end of this month.
Alabama’s state Legislature and school boards will be reapportioned based on the 2020 Census. Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.
