NEW ULM — New Ulm residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to complete the 2020 census.

Originally the deadline for the 2020 census was Oct. 31, but the Trump administration announced plans to end the count Sept. 30. The reason for the shortened deadline was to have census data crunched before Dec. 31. But a federal judge ruling extended the deadline through at least Oct. 5.

New Ulm City Planner John Knisley said that is as firm of a deadline as is available at this time. The legal dispute is ongoing, and the deadline could be extended back to Oct. 31. It is unknown if a further extension will be granted.

Knisley said an estimated 80% of New Ulm has completed the 2020 census. This is a lower percentage than in previous years. The Census Bureau usually sends a paper copy of the census to those who do not complete it online, but Knisley said some New Ulm citizens have reported never receiving a paper copy. This has raised concerns about the accuracy of this year’s count.

The census is conducted once every 10 years and is used to get an accurate population count. The data is used by lawmakers, business owners and teachers to better provide daily services.

Knisley said the worst-case scenario is that if enough citizens fail to fill out the census, Minnesota could lose a congressional district. It would lower the state’s representation in the U.S. House. It would also require Minnesota to redraw its districts. He also said the census is tied to funding. The community could lose funding for schools and highway infrastructure.

Anyone who has yet to complete the 2020 census can still do so online at 2020Census.gov. People can also call 844-330-2020 to complete it.

The Census Bureau is open seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m.