Biggs: Starting Aug. 11, Census poll workers will be hitting the streets

I ask that you go to 2020census.gov right now and complete your census. This directly affects our city, the representation we have, the monies we receive, and a wide variety of issues for our community. Let's get that number as high as possible and show Arizona we mean business.”

Braden Biggs, a resident of Apache Junction

Dear Apache Junction,

Now is the time for us to represent and show the county, state, and nation just who we are. Once every 10 years, we are asked to conduct a survey by the federal government called the U.S. Census.

As of July 26, the City of Apache Junction --- and surrounding areas --- is at 51.3% of our total population in taking the U.S. Census. We are lagging behind the state average of 59.3%. Apache Junction ranks 53 out of 91 cities/towns in the state in terms of percentage of the population who have taken the US Census. Are we really a 53 out of 91 in rank kind of city? I certainly don't think so.

Oro Valley currently ranks No. 1 in the state with 75.3%. I know that we can beat them. Tucson and Phoenix are both at 26 with 60.5%. We definitely know we are better than them.

Overall, in Pinal County we are at 54.5% thus far. We are above our two neighboring cities of Florence and Superior. But are behind Coolidge, Eloy, Casa Grande and Maricopa.

Starting Aug. 11, Census poll workers will be hitting the streets and door-knocking/canvassing to those who have yet to take the Census.

We need you.

I ask that you go to 2020census.gov right now and complete your census.

This directly affects our city, the representation we have, the monies we receive, and a wide variety of issues for our community.

Let's get that number as high as possible and show Arizona we mean business.

The above map of Apache Junction shows where your area ranks. If you are not in the blue, we need you to complete your census, then go knock on a neighbor's door and ask them if they have done theirs.

Call your friends and relatives in other areas of the city and ask them to complete their Census. It is our civic duty and we only have to do it every 10 years. Please take five minutes of your time to make Apache Junction Count.

Editor's note: Braden Biggs is a resident of Apache Junction.