CLEARLAKE, Calif. – As the US Census prepares to roll out its 2020 count, Lake County residents are urged to keep an eye out for notices and to respond to the questionnaire, which will help determine governmental representation and funding available to communities.

Albert Lerma, a partnership specialist for US Census Bureau, gave an update on the count to the Clearlake City Council earlier this month.

Lerma explained that the Census matters because population numbers translate to political representation. In particular, population numbers are used to reapportion congressional seats.

“For the first time ever, we may lose a seat or two in California,” Lerma said.

Lerma said the Census also is used for redistricting for state and local seats, including the Board of Supervisors.

In addition to political representation, Lerma said the Census helps determine what funding is available to communities.

He said more than $675 billion is allocated annually based on Census and population numbers. Such funding includes Community Development Block Grant funds, as well as assistance for food, transportation and children.

Starting March 12, there will be the new ability to respond to the Census via Internet or phone, in addition to the traditional form. Lerma said the online form will be available online in English and 12 other languages.

He said that Census data is confidential as required by law, and there is the possibility of prosecution for wrongful disclosure.

Lerma said 95 percent of people will get a postcard in the mail around March 12. The expectation is that most people will fill out their forms online.

For those who don’t have regular addresses or who have post office boxes, forms will be dropped off at their homes, Lerma said.

Lerma said the US Census Bureau will dispatch teams to enumerate people who are homeless or have transitory living situations.

The paper ballot that some people will receive will be available in both English and Spanish, Lerma said. The online form is available in English and 12 other languages, and there are an additional 59 guides in other languages, Lerma said.

Lerma said partners such as local governments, nonprofits and housing agencies are critical in helping to put out the word about the census and get everyone counted.

The US Census Bureau also is hiring. Lerma said more information is available on the Census website.

Lerma also reported that April 1 is National Census Day.

He said the Census form takes between 10 and 20 minutes to fill out.

The US Census Bureau has done a lot of testing of its technology over the last two years. Lerma said the Census Bureau is asking libraries, senior centers and other locations to make computers available so people can fill out the form online.

They’re also conducting a program called Census in Schools to integrate it into the curriculum. Lerma said that was directed by the state superintendent of schools.

Clearlake Mayor Russ Cremer said the Census is very important and it’s easy to do.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.