I am a white person who had the privilege to play “Hide and Seek” on summer nights with only the fear of being caught and secure in the knowledge I could come out of hiding hearing the words “Olly olly oxen free!”

I think of the game and I think of the 2020 Census and the fears many people face today. I learned working for rural government that some people don’t respond to the Census because they distrust government, feel devalued, or they are afraid (illegal housing, immigration status). 

The 2020 Census information is confidential for 72 years. As of June 8th, 60.3 percent of the households in Jefferson County have submitted a Census form online at 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. The response rate is variable with just 23 percent so far near Brinnon-southwest county, 35 percent in the Quilcene area and 55 percent near Port Hadlock, Irondale, and Marrowstone.

The 2020 Census count becomes part of the framework that local government, nonprofits, schools, and businesses use for plans, funding loans, decision-making, and grants. 

Census counts influence budgeting. Jefferson County’s
80 percent response rate in the 2010 Census meant that we lost about $2,319 per person per year for every uncounted person — an estimated $12 million over the past decade. We missed per capita funds for transportation, school lunches, education, senior programs, SNAP, and Head Start. 

I have learned that history can be faulted for leaving people out. If you remain uncounted, the confidential information about you and your family doesn’t exist — e.g. overcrowding, age, type of dwelling and race.

I recently moved to this community and know I do not speak with deep understanding of Jefferson County. I learned from prior employment that if you remain invisible, it is more challenging for rural government, nonprofits, and advocates to tell our story.

Mary Paxton
PORT TOWNSEND