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The U.S. Census Bureau is currently prepping for the 2020 Census, which will collect data about the country’s population and economy. The information collected during the Census determines a number of vital things, such as distribution of funds and number of representatives per state in the House of Representatives.

April 1, 2020 is set as Census Day at which point households will be invited to participate in the Census by phone, mail or online. Census takers will follow-up multiple times through phone or home visits to households that have not responded by May 2020.

“The upcoming census is very important to the State of Alabama, as well as Marengo County and the City of Demopolis,” Mayor John Laney said.

Census data gives a look at the population and economy of the country as a whole, as well as those of states and municipalities. Results are also used to determine which areas are in greater need of funding and what disaster relief resources would be the most vital to a particular community. Electoral districts, business decisions and a wide range of statistics are also informed by the Census results.

Laney also said that Alabama is in danger of losing a representative in Congress based on population numbers determined through the Census, adding to the importance of participation for accurate results.

“To miss people is the same as artificially reducing your population base,” he said.

The U.S. Census Bureau is also searching for part-time, temporary employees to assist with the 2020 Census. Jobs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and may involve verifying addresses, counting residents who do not live in traditional households such as nursing homes or in RV parks, following up with households that have not responded or other related jobs.

Qualifications for employment include being at least 18 years old, having a valid email address and passing a background check. Most jobs also require access to some form of transportation and to a computer with internet access. Hours can take place in the morning, afternoon or on weekends, with compensation for transportation and training. Start and end dates depend on the type of job, but hiring for field operations begins in June.

Pay is between $14.50 and $16 an hour with mileage reimbursement at .58 cents a mile.

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, April 17 issue of the Demopolis Times.)