The United State Census Bureau has mailed paper questionnaires to around 64 million households across the nation in an effort to ensure more responses to the 2020 Census.
According to the bureau, 46.2% of the nation’s households have already responded to the 2020 Census. Those who have not responded, should have received a paper questionnaire by April 8.
“If you’re among the nearly half of all the nation’s households that have responded already, thank you!” Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham said. “It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online at 2020census.gov, over the phone, or by mail — all without having to meet a census taker. It’s something everyone can do while practicing social distancing at home to make a difference today, tomorrow and the next 10 years.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some areas where census takers were originally going to hand-deliver forms in person will now receive a letter in the mail from the bureau reminding them to participate. However, they said they will drop off a census invitation and paper form as soon as it is safe to do so. Census takers will also follow up with all households that do not respond on their own.
Households receiving the paper questionnaire can still respond online or by phone, or they can return it by mail in the enclosed envelope. They can choose to respond online at 2020census.gov in English or 12 other languages, or receive assistance through language guides and videos available in 59 languages. Those responding online can use their Census ID to do so, however they can still access the questionnaire using their address.
Dillingham encourages people to respond as soon as possible. By responding now, it decreases the chance of a census taker having to travel to individual homes.
Partnership Specialist Maria V. Mangum has also asked that those who own vacation homes, second homes or multiple homes, that were vacant on April 1, 2020, respond using that address’ Census ID to let the bureau know that no one was living there.