101 Days Left to Complete Census

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The 2020 US Census is the most important survey you will take this decade. An undercount means we are at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal funding for housing, education, infrastructure, social services, and more. California is at risk of losing a Congressional seat if everyone is not counted. The COVID-19 crisis has made counting everyone much more difficult, but also exemplifies the importance of getting everyone counted due to the impacts the Census has on funding for healthcare services.

As of July 21, Berkeley has a 67.1% turnout rate. This is higher than California's return rate of 63.4% but lower than Alameda County's rate at 69.5%. Worryingly, the top two census tracts in the County with the lowest return rates are in Berkeley, specifically in the Southside neighborhood, at 39.1% and 42.6% respectively. Downtown Berkeley ranks the ninth lowest census tract response rate at 46.2%.

Everybody who lived in Berkeley on April 1st needs to participate. This includes students who would normally live here if it was not for the Shelter in Place, babies born on or before April 1st, and non-US citizens including undocumented residents. There is no citizenship question, and all responses are kept confidential.

Filling out the Census takes less than 10 minutes and is critical to ensure fair democratic representation and federal funding. If you have not filled out the Census yet, you can do so at https://my2020census.gov/.

Are You Registered to Vote?

Voting is a fundamental cornerstone of our democracy and civic duty. This year will be different as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. All voters registered in California will be receiving a ballot in the mail, even if you are not currently registered as a permanent vote-by-mail voter.

It is best to spend one minute checking your voter registration status to ensure that you are currently registered and at the address you live in. If you have recently moved but not updated your voter registration, you may not receive your ballot. If you are not registered/need to re-register and are eligible to vote, you can register online in just a few minutes.

Next Town Hall This Saturday at Noon

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Join Mayor Jesse Arreguín, City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley, and Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez for a Virtual Town Hall where they will provide updates on the city’s response to COVID-19 and answer your questions.

What: Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19

When: Saturday, July 25, 12pm

Watch live at jessearreguin.com

Ask your questions by 9am on Saturday at jessearreguin.com