HYANNIS – Secretary of State William Galvin visited Barnstable Town Hall Wednesday to host a discussion and strategy session to ensure that all members of the Cape Cod community are properly accounted for in the 2020 United States Census.
Galvin emphasized that everyone primarily based in Massachusetts should be included in responses to the U.S. Census.
Projections from the U.S. Census Bureau used by Galvin show that Massachusetts has a total estimated population of 6.9 million. He said if that can be proved via the Census, the state will get less money than it deserves.
“It means, for instance, that we’re going to make sure we preserve our congressional representation in its full balance,” Galvin said.
“It also means that we’re going to get the assistance we need. So getting your fair share, not getting short changed, is something that’s important.”
Galvin went on to explain that people who are difficult to fully account for, including people who are homeless, undocumented immigrants, students, and snowbirds, should be aware of the U.S. Census.
To accomplish this, he said citizens have to be responsible and advise others about the Census in a grassroots manner.
“That’s the message we have to get across. To make this a successful count, to not get short changed. We have to get that message across,” he said.
Galvin highlighted that undocumented immigrants, with or without a path to green cards, should still submit their information since details from the U.S. Census cannot be shared with other government agencies.
He said that protects the members of families who are undocumented.
Eva Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition and Statewide Complete Count Committee Chair, echoed those sentiments.
Census Day is April 1, but U.S. Census operations will begin in March and flow into May, according to Galvin.
To learn more, head to www.ma2020census.org.
About Brendan Fitzpatrick
