The 2020 Census is underway, and the U.S. Census Bureau says the most important thing someone can do is respond online, by phone or by mail when they receive their invitation.
By responding earlier rather than later, it will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Census Bureau is monitoring the virus, and intends to prioritize the “health, safety and well-being” of the public and their staff.
In doing so, they have adjusted and delayed some of their operations to ensure they get a complete and accurate count of all communities. For example, they have extended their self response phase end date from July 31 to August 14.
The households that do not respond to the census will be visited by census takers to interview households in person to receive a count.
Invitations to respond to the census have been mailed to homes, and many contain a paper census questionnaire that can be completed and mailed back in response.
Those who want to respond online can do so at www.my2020cenus.gov. The invitation will include a 12-digit census ID for the household that can be used to complete the census. However, those wishing to complete the census online do not have to wait until they have their census ID. An option to input an address is available.