Beginning later this month, census takers will begin visiting households who have not yet responded to the Census. The goal is to help everyone be counted in the 2020 Census. Completing the Census is safe, easy, and typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete. 

What to expect

• Census takers are required to wear masks when they visit and to follow guidelines from the CDC, state and local public health officials. Prior to visiting homes, census takers complete a virtual COVID-19 training on physical distancing protocols and other health and safety guidance.
• Census takers are hired from the local community. All census takers speak English and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the householder may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.
• If no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail. People are encouraged to cooperate with census takers and ensure that everyone who was living in their household as of April 1, 2020, is counted.

How to identify Census takers

• Census takers can be identified by a valid government ID badge that includes their photograph, a U.S. Dept. of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact their regional census center to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

Households can still self-respond

• Households can still complete the 2020 Census online, by phone at 844-330-2020 or by completing the paper survey received in the mail. The survey is available in 13 languages, with language support available for 59 additional languages, upon request.
• Every household is required by federal law to respond to the 2020 Census. The personal information provided is kept completely confidential, even from other government agencies.

Occurring once every 10 years, the Census is the best opportunity to count all residents regardless of age, race, ethnicity, citizenship status or any other demographic characteristic. An accurate count makes sure all residents are fairly represented in federal and state government and that $675 billion in federal resources are allocated correctly across state and local jurisdictions.

Now, more than ever, Westminster needs every resident to be counted, to ensure our community gets the funding it needs. For anyone who has not already completed their Census survey, now is the time to get counted.