Supervisor Fletcher Announces County’s Census 2020 Outreach Plan

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher today, alongside members of the Count Me 2020 coalition, announced at a press conference the County of San Diego’s plans to educate hard to reach populations about the 2020 Census and unveiled Census advertisements that will appear in the 1.8 million sample ballot pamphlets being distributed this week by the County Registrar of Voters. 

“At the County, we are stepping-up to make sure everyone is counted for the 2020 Census,” said Supervisor Fletcher. “The Census is a critical tool of our democracy because it funds vital programs and initiatives in communities and neighborhoods throughout our region.

“We are taking these actions to leverage our resources to educate and activate people to participate because the Census is very important.” 

Beginning Thurs. Jan. 23, 2020, the County’s Registrar of Voters will send (by mail and electronically) sample ballot pamphlets with a 2020 Census advertisement in it to more than 1.8 million voters. To better connect with hard to reach populations, 140,000 voters -- based on birthplace and request for specific materials -- will receive non-English pamphlets with advertisements translated into either Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese.  

Supervisor Fletcher today also outlined several of the action items the County of San Diego will be doing to educate people about the importance of the 2020 Census. They include:  

• The County of San Diego’s 33 libraries will have Census kiosks with computers for people to use,     
• A Census kiosk on the County of San Diego’s Bookmobile,
• Strategically placing signage and information in County buildings such as Family Resource Centers where there is lots of foot traffic,
• Include Census information with meals being delivered by County Health and Human Service Agency contractors to homebound people receiving food, and   
• Make County conference rooms and meeting space available to train Count Me 2020 workers and volunteers.                   

Last February, Supervisor Fletcher co-sponsored legislation to get the County involved in the Census Count. Prior to this policy, the County of San Diego had not played an active role in promoting census participation.

A Census undercount could result in a loss of millions to the San Diego region. Census data determines the funds that are allocated California for programs like: Head Start, Foster Care, Health Center Programs, Medicaid, National School Lunch that help our citizens. For every Californian missed by Census 2020, the State loses about $1,950 per person, per year, for 10 years, in federal program funding.

Count Me 2020 partners in attendance during the press conference hosted at the County Administration Center included:  Alliance San Diego, Asian Pacific Islander Initiative and United Way, National Latino Research Center, PANA San Diego, Engage San Diego, Paving Great Futures.

Learn more about the 2020 Census, and how to participate, here. If you are interested in applying for a job with the U.S. Census, click here.