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The United States Constitution requires a count of its population every 10 years.

So, April 1 of the census year has been designated as Census Day. On that day, the federal government urges citizens to complete their census forms.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, the federal, state and local governments urged citizens to complete their census forms because every person counts.

Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd said it is important for every person to be counted, nationally, statewide and “extremely important” for Brundidge, a city of 2,076.   

“If our population declines to 2,000 or below, that means that Brundidge will be a town, not a city. As a town, we will not be eligible for many of the federal grants and programs that are offered,” Boyd said.

The town of Brundidge would still be eligible to apply for grants but there are more grant opportunities for cities with populations of 2,000 and above.

“We benefit greatly from federal dollars in many ways,” Boyd said. “To be limited in the grants available to us would be detrimental to our city.”

Boyd said she cannot emphasis how important it is for Brundidge residents to be counted in the 2020 Census.

Boyd said the census is important to all Alabamians. The census will help the State of Alabama secure a fair share of funding and maintain fair representation in Congress.

“We don’t want to lose Congressional support,” she said. “If we do, all Alabama loses.”

Boyd said the federal government funds programs including low-income citizens, education, Medicare, farmers, veterans and programs that generate economic opportunities for the states.

“I hope that April 1 got the census ball rolling in Brundidge, in Alabama and all across the country.

Citizens can respond to the 2020 Census in three ways: By online using a computer, smart phone or tablet, call a toll-free number and give response over the phone at 1-844-330-2020 or call 1-800-923-8282 and request a traditional paper form.

In order to remind citizens to be counted, the U.S. Census Bureau will send every household an invitation to respond to the 2020 Census in March. A reminder postcard will be mailed in late April and beginning May 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau will follow up with household that haven’t responded.