Residents encouraged to fill out census forms

By Nancy Vogt

April 10, 2020 at 8:00 AM

The U.S. Census Bureau started sending invitations through the mail in mid-March encouraging everyone to fill out their census form. Crow Wing County reminds everyone that it’s safe and easy to respond using any of these three methods: online, phone and mail.

Data from the 2020 census will help establish funding levels for the next 10 years for services the county relies on right now, such as healthcare, first responders, unemployment insurance, small business loans and more.

The 2020 census will also determine Minnesota’s congressional representation. Minnesota faces significant risk of losing its 8th Congressional seat, but this is not a foregone conclusion and an accurate count could help the state keep all eight seats.

With the help of many Crow Wing County organizations and businesses, the county has collaborated on the Census Complete Count Committee to help educate and ensure all residents of Crow Wing County are accurately counted.

In addition, the county set up a website designed to help residents understand the census process and answer questions, along with a guide to fill out the census survey. Videos and a detailed timeline explain what to expect and why participation is important to area communities.

Visit crowwing.us and click on the “We Count MN” census page.

“We want to make sure everyone is counted during this process. Taking part is the right and responsibility of every Crow Wing County resident. There is power in being counted. Our 2020 census website will give you the tools and information you need to easily fill out your survey,” Census Chair/GIS Coordinator Nate Rose said in a news release.

Seasonal residents are encouraged to fill out their census form when they arrive back in Crow Wing County versus a seasonal location.

Complete the questionnaire online at my2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020 or by mail. It is safe and private. Federal law prohibits anyone at the U.S. Census Bureau from sharing personal census information, with violations resulting in stiff penalties and jail time.

By Nancy Vogt

Nancy Vogt is editor of the Pineandlakes Echo Journal, a weekly newspaper that covers eight communities in the Pequot Lakes-Pine River areas - from Nisswa to Hackensack and Pequot Lakes to Crosslake.

She started as editor of the Lake Country Echo in July 2006, and continued in that role when the Lake Country Echo and the Pine River Journal combined in September 2013 to become the Pineandlakes Echo Journal. She worked for the Brainerd Dispatch from 1992-2006 in various roles.

She covers Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Lake Shore and Crosslake city councils, as well as writes feature stories, news stories and personal columns (Vogt's Notes). She also takes photos at community events.

Contact her at nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com or 218-855-5877 with story ideas or questions. Be sure to leave a voicemail message!