The Iditarod is proud to be a part of the State of Alaska’s Census 2020 Initiative, “Make Alaska Count”. Throughout the 2020 race we used our social media and IP channels to create awareness in Alaska and throughout Iditarod Nation during the 2020 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Now, it’s Alaskans’ turn to pay it forward by filling out the census request that has recently been showing up in mailboxes around the state. Our message to Alaskans is that every adult matters, family members matter, and future generations of Alaskans matter. So, every completed census does count, and here’s why:
- In 2010 (the last census), Alaska had the lowest participation rate in the nation at 64%. That means 36% of all Alaskans didn’t respond.
- If that same trend continues in 2020, each Alaskan will not receive their full share of federal funding for the next 10 years. In the face of increasing state and local budget constraints, we can’t afford an undercount in 2020.
- Responding to the census helps each community get the funding they need for local public services and helps businesses make data-driven decisions that grow our economy.
- The census also determines the resources that go to Alaska to help build roads and infrastructure, support hospitals, and deliver public services to children, veterans, seniors and families
Now it’s time for Alaskans to change the narrative and be counted, so the next generation will have a safer trail to travel in 2030.
