NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) encouraged DuPage and Will County residents to fill out the 2020 Census, protecting their representation in government and share of federal funding.

“The census is essential for the federal government to determine how much funding will be given to both Will and DuPage County,” Ellman said. “Filling out the census has never been easier with the new online option. It only took me about five minutes to fill out.”

In 2010, DuPage County had a final response rate of 77.3% and Will county 76.9%. So far this year, both counties’ response rates are down, with DuPage at a 72% and Will County at 70%. Nearly two-thirds of both counties’ residents’ responses have been submitted online thus far.

“We never want to be in a position where our area is undercounted. We will receive less money and less representation if that happens,” Ellman said. “We all have to work together and make sure everyone is counted.”

Although online is the quickest way to fill out the questionnaire, there are three ways you can respond: online, by phone or by mail. Ellman also pointed out that higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in-person. This year, census surveyors are putting the health of themselves and their families at risk from COVID-19.

If you haven’t filled out your census questionnaire yet, you can visit 2020census.gov, where you can find the online questionnaire and additional information about the census. To see local responses rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us.