Concerns Grow About Lack Of Census Participation In Eastern Washington

Every ten years, the federal government takes a census of the people. Not only does it give everyone an idea which communities grew in population and which shrank, but it also determines where important federal assistance goes, and what regions are eligible for grants and other opportunities for another decade.

And as Washington state Senator Jim Honeyford points out, the Census also determines representation in Olympia. And he’s concerned if the low Census return rate continues east of the Cascades, rural Washingtonians could lose a legislative district.

“Its very concerning that if we lose a legislative seat, we’ll have less representation for eastern Washington," Honeyford said recently. "And I believe that is very important to have.”

The Census Bureau plans to complete its count by the end of September, and at that time, redistricting is finalized. Honeyford urges all rural Washingtonians to cooperate with Census workers when they reach out to you or come to your door.

“The information is confidential, and they don’t share it with anyone.  So, it’s a very safe process.”

Despite the state of Washington spending $15 million to increase minority reporting, Honeyford said outreach efforts have failed miserably in areas with large Latino populations. Currently the statewide Census return rate for Washington is 69.3%.

When it comes to the individual counties east of the Cascades:

• Ferry – 39.7%
• Okanogan – 40.6%
• Pend Oreille – 40.7%
• Klickitat – 47.0%
• Lincoln – 48.4%
• Adams – 51.5%
• Stevens – 52.4%
• Kittitas – 52.9%
• Grant – 53.3%
• Chelan – 55.0%
• Columbia – 56.6%
• Garfield – 57.2%
• Whitman – 59.1%
• Douglas – 60.3%
• Yakima – 63.2%
• Franklin – 64.5%
• Walla Walla – 68.2%
• Asotin – 69.5%
• Spokane – 71.7%
• Benton – 72.1%

If you have not participated in the 2020 Census, you can do so On-line or over the phone. English speakers can call (844) 330-2020. Spanish speakers can call (844) 468-2020.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com