Census Workers could be Knocking on Your Door
If there is a knock at your door in the coming weeks, it may not be a sales person. If you have not completed the 2020 Census online yet, that person knocking on your door may just be a Census bureau worker.
This is because so far only about two-thirds of Americans have completed the U.S. 2020 Census online. As a result, the bureau started heading out in force last week to collect the data from an estimated 56 million households.
Every 10 years, U.S. Constitution requires that a census of the population be taken. the bureau sends out census takers to help better understand the number, and most importantly the make-up (race, gender, etc.) of the ‘melting pot’ that is America.
Why is the Census Important?
This information is important for developing and managing social programs among, determining how billions of government dollars will be allocated to different states and localities, and also determines how many members of Congress each state is allowed to have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Unlike the Senate, which has 2 representatives for each state, the number of representatives for each state in the House is based on a state’s population.
“To ensure a complete and accurate count, we must now go door to door to count all of the households we have not heard back from. During this phase, you can still self-respond online (at 2020census.gov), by phone (at 844-330-2020), or by mailing your completed questionnaire,” said Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham.
If you think that it takes a pretty big army to go door-to-door to that many homes, you’re right. You may see one of about half a million census workers in your neighborhood in the next few weeks as they try to get everyone counted.
How to Verify that a Census Worker is Legitimate
To be sure the person at the door is indeed a Census taker, they will have a valid government ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date on the badge. Individuals should ask to see this before giving someone their information, or letting someone into their home.
What if I’m Not Home to Take the Census?
If no one is home, the worker will likely leave a note on the door. The note will explain how to take the Census online – saving them from having to make a return visit. But workers may return up to 6 times in an attempt to collect the data.
To save the workers a trip, all are encouraged to complete the U.S. 2020 Census online at 2020census.gov.
Safety First
To stay in keeping with social distancing and of other health guidelines, the census takers will of course be wearing facemasks and will follow protocol to keep the public and themselves safe.
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