U.S. CENSUS INFORMATION

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years to count all people living in the United States. The census shapes our government, budgets, and representation for the next decade.   

The 2020 census data will determine the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars yearly in federal spending which encompasses funding for hospitals and health care, fire departments, schools, roads, community centers, public infrastructure, and other critical resources in each state. As of the fiscal year 2017, census-guided federal funding accounted for $1.5 trillion in annual spending.  

The number of people counted in the census determines how district lines are drawn and how many seat numbers each state has in the US House of Representatives. This has a profound impact on how representative our government truly is, especially considering that people of color, particularly Black, Latinx, and Native American communities, are at a higher risk of being undercounted.   

For these reasons and more, it is crucial that as many people as possible complete the census. This year, you can respond online or by calling 844-330-2020! It only takes a few minutes. If you cannot respond online or by phone, the U.S. Census Bureau will mail out a paper questionnaire.   

Complete the census now at: https://2020census.gov/.

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY VOTING INFORMATION 

This year, for voter safety and election efficiency, it is highly encouraged that you vote early where your state allows, either by mail or in-person. There will be an unprecedented influx of voters casting their votes by mail this year; therefore, if you choose to vote by mail, it is especially important that you request and submit your ballot as early as possible and at least two weeks ahead of the election, so that you can receive it, vote, and return it before the election.    

New York State Voter Look-Up:
https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

 

Request your New York State Absentee Ballot:
https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/

Request your New York City Absentee Ballot:
https://nycabsentee.com/

Request your New Jersey Absentee Ballot:
https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/new-jersey/ 

 

New York State Election Website:
https://www.elections.ny.gov/ 

New Jersey State Election Website:
https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/index.shtml 

 

    New York New Jersey 
Primary Registration  Passed  Passed 
Election Day  Passed (June 23, 2020)  Passed (July 7, 2020) 
General Election  Registration  October 9, 2020 (postmarked)  October 13, 2020 
Early Voting  October 24 – November 1, 2020  September 19 – November 2, 2020 
Election Day  TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd, 2020 
General Election Absentee Ballots (AB)
and/or Vote by Mail 
Application Due Date  October 27, 2020 (postmarked)  October 27, 2020 (postmarked) 
Ballot Received by Date  November 3, 2020 (postmarked)  November 3, 2020 (postmarked) 
Ballot Returned by Hand  November 3, 2020  November 3, 2020 

ADL EDUCATION VOTING RIGHT RESOURCES

Let’s Talk About Voting! encourages family discussion around the history and purpose of voting and the ways in which the right to vote has been prevented and suppressed throughout our history.

Elections and the Youth Vote for high school students explore the role and importance of the youth vote, consider barriers to the youth vote, and propose ideas for taking action.

Teaching About Elections education resources, lesson plans, family resources and other election-related content to assist you in teaching and talking about elections.

 Identity and Diversity in My Generation provides an opportunity for students to learn more about Gen Z, reflect on their identities in order to create self-portraits/quotes that represent themselves.

 Representing the People: Diversity and Elections lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about the current landscape of elected officials and Presidential hopefuls.

ADL VOTING RIGHT RESOURCES  

Looking for more information to prepare for casting your ballot? Want to find ways to volunteer on election day? Find all that and more in the following resources:

Voting During COVID-19

Voting with Children

First Time Voting

Student Voters

Volunteering During COVID-19

Know Your Options

Planning for Election Day

Opportunities for Regional Engagement