We have to get this right.

It seems difficult to imagine that answers to such a brief questionnaire have so much power. The 2020 census asks a series of nine basic demographic questions, such as how many people live in your home? What are their names, sex, race, gender and dates of birth?

But the answers to those simple questions – as long as they are registered – have far-reaching consequences, as Erie County Census Outreach Coordinator Michelle Jaggi outlined in an Erie Times-News interview Sunday.

As Jaggi said, it’s about power and money.

The demographics tallied in the census translate into the region’s political clout. The tabulations are used to determine the number of representatives Pennsylvania has in Congress, which in turn shapes its representation in the Electoral College. Given the state’s population trends, Pennsylvania is on track to lose another seat. Getting every last Pennsylvanian counted is critical for the state’s voice to be heard.

Secondly, the information gathered is used to measure how federal resources are deployed to meet key needs. The list of programs in play include Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, housing benefits and help with heating bills in the cold winter months.

It is estimated that for each person not counted, the region stands to lose $2,100 per year for 10 years. That is not something that the Erie region can afford at this moment, with both scandalously high poverty rates and many initiatives underway to restore opportunity. As Jaggi said, the money follows not the need but the count tallied in the census.

Getting an accurate count in Erie will be challenging, given the high number of people who rent their homes. It might be difficult to make sure the proper notices and forms reach them.

Language barriers also could hamper efforts at a time when counting every immigrant and refugee is vital. Erie has relied for years on the arrival of new Americans to shore up its population as other residents departed the area. Just a few years ago, Erie welcomed 600 to 700 new individuals a year. But in 2018, due to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, the number dropped to about 175, according to the International Institute of Erie.

It was welcome to hear from Jaggi that the census will be available in 12 different languages and that local multicultural organizations have been tapped to aid in outreach.

Scams or fear of them pose another threat to a complete count.

Judging from Jaggi’s interview, Erie County, with her help and that of the Complete Count Committee, is heading into this pivotal head count well-prepared.

We credit Erie County and the city of Erie leaders for their proactive approach. We have to get this right.