Southwest Colorado is still lagging behind the state census response rate, but some La Plata County coordinators are digitally encouraging responses as part of a nationwide Digital Action Weekend.

The Census Bureau has received about half, or 80 million, of its expected responses and launched the online blitz Friday to urge more participation. The bureau is focusing on internet-based tools to get the word out about the census, meeting Americans where they are during the coronavirus pandemic – at home and on the internet.

Southwest Colorado is working to catch up on its response rate.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that the 2020 Census captures a complete and accurate count of the U.S. population,” said Heather Otter, a member of the Complete Count Committee and economic development project manager at Region 9. “How else to understand our nation and address the pressing needs of its people?”

Region 9 posted Digital Action Weekend campaign materials to social media on Friday. Six other member organizations had not posted the campaign materials to Twitter or Facebook as of Saturday. Some, like the city of Durango and La Plata County governments, posted other census-related messages earlier in the week.

The Count Committee also shares information through local radio and television stations. Committee members have been doing consistent social media posting, Otter said.

“While Colorado is ahead of the nation, Southwest Colorado is lagging,” Otter said, adding that the region’s delay could be caused by insufficient internet access, lack of trust in the government or fear of a citizenship question pursued by the Trump administration. The census does not include a citizenship question.

Colorado, with 58.4% responses, receives about $13 billion in funds informed by the count. Montezuma County leads Southwest Colorado with about 49% of residents submitting responses. La Plata County follows at about 47%, then Archuleta, 29%, Dolores, 15% and San Juan, 9%.

Community members have until Aug. 14 to complete the census survey either by phone, paper form or, for the first time, online. Responses are required by law.

Rural households that have received a census invitation should complete their survey immediately using their unique Census ID. Residents can respond by phone, online or by mail.

Many rural households have not received a census invitation. Those with a city-style address, like 123 Pine St., can complete their census online, by phone or by mail. Households should provide their street address, not their post office box number, when asked to log in online.

For those who receive mail at post office boxes, hand delivery of census packets has been delayed until June 13. Households should wait to receive their invitation from the U.S. Census Bureau and then respond immediately using the unique Census ID noted on the mailing.

smullane@durangoherald.com