2020 CENSUS Wood County Judge Lucy Hebron Quitman, Texas May 29, 2020 Press Release (10:00 a.m.)

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every ten (10) years. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States as of April 1, 2020. The 2020 Census is essential, in that it determines the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs how essential resources are provided to communities for the next ten (10) years. Please make sure you and everyone in your household are counted in order to benefit your community’s hospitals, public safety, roads, schools, children’s health insurance programs, and much more with needed funding. You are able to shape the community’s future by filling out your census form. There are four ways you can be counted. First, you can complete the Census packet that you received in the mail. Second, you can go online at www.2020census.gov and complete a short and simple online form. Third, you can call the following number: (844) 330-2020. Fourth, a Census taker may come to your home to hand deliver the 2020 Census form. The Census takers began visiting homes on May 26, 2020. As of May 27, 2020, the national self-response rate for the 2020 U.S. Census was 60.3%. The State of Texas self-response rate was 54.9%, and the self-response rate for Wood County was 51.9%. The 2020 Census response rate map, which is updated daily, can be viewed at www.2020census. gov/response-rates.html. The map also shows the comparable response rate from the 2010 Census for each geographical area. Judge Hebron is announcing that she has challenged the mayors and city administrators of all Wood County cities, specifically Alba, Hawkins, Mineola, Quitman, Winnsboro, and Yantis, to encourage their residents to self-respond to the 2020 Census. The city with the highest self response rate as of July 8, 2020, will win dinner at one of our local restaurants for the city’s mayor and city administrator, as well as their respective spouses.