Every 10 years, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the federal government undertakes a census of the U.S. population to determine the allocation of seats held by each state in the House of Representatives. An accurate census count is also vital to obtain federal funding for projects in Amherst and the region.
Each home received an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail—in March.
Why It Matters
Did you know?
• Amherst is the 9th hardest city/town in Massachusetts to count.
• Historically, the decennial census has undercounted immigrants, communities of color, renters, low-income people, and children. It’s about representation
• Census totals will determine the number of congressional seats Massachusetts will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and the number of western MA representatives who will serve in the state Legislature.
• Data will be used to redraw boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts.
It’s about $$.
• $675 billion in federal funding, $16 billion for MA—$2,372 per person per year will be distributed based on the census count. If you are not counted, the town loses that money!
• An undercount in Amherst will mean fewer dollars for public services like education, transportation, housing and health care
If you have not responded, there is still time to do so!
3 ways to participate:
• Online
• By phone (Below are phone numbers for help in specific languages)
• By mail
The U.S. Census Bureau is a nonpartisan government agency. When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous. They are used only to produce statistics. You will NOT be asked about your citizenship or your social security number, or for any financial information.
The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.
For more information, please visit lwvamherst.org
Information provided by the League of Women Voters- Amherst
Not a School Sponsored Event
Not a School Sponsored Event
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