Brookline Residents Reminded To Complete Census As Deadline Nears

BROOKLINE, MA — The Town of Brookline on Monday reminded residents they have only 30 days left to complete the 2020 Census if they have not already done so.

The 2020 Census survey period, which was originally set to run from March to Aug. 14 has now been extended to Sept. 30. Residents who have not completed the census are asked to do so online, by mail or by phone.

Nancy Heller, a Brookline select board member and co-chair of the Complete Count Committee, said it is imperative that residents complete the census before to deadline because the nationwide survey will directly affect the town.

“The information collected each decade through the census is vital to ensure we’re adequately represented in Congress and can have significant impacts on the amount of federal funding Brookline receives,” Heller said in a statement. “Now that the deadline has been extended to complete the census, we hope those who have not yet had a chance to fill it out will do so to ensure that officials get the full picture of the amount of residents in town.”

According to the Massachusetts Secretary of State website, Brookline on Monday had a total self-response rate of 62.5 percent. Across the state, some 67.3 percent of homes have completed the census.

Secretary of State William Galvin noted the census impacts how much federal and state funding is allocated to cities and communities for services like schools, childcare, infrastructure, transportation and public health. The census also impacts how many votes a region has in the electoral college and in state and local government.

Select Board Member and committee co-chair Raul Fernandez echoed Heller's call to action, reminding residents that completing the census is quick and easy.

“Filling out the census has never been easier and takes only about 10 minutes to complete,” Fernandez said. “We strongly encourage residents to fill it out if they haven’t already to ensure that Brookline is adequately represented when officials look to make decisions using this data.”