What is the Census?
Since 1790, the United States has conducted a census every 10 years (decennial). The census has evolved over the last 200 years, but its purpose has always been to count the population for representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Founding Fathers wanted population to be the basis for sharing political power, not wealth or land.
Today, the census sets to count every person living in the United States — regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
How Do I Participate in the Census?
For the first time in census history, Americans will have an option to complete the 2020 Census online and by phone. The process will begin in mid-March, when households will receive a postcard.
Certain households will receive a paper form to use in the beginning, if they wish to.
Once the invitation arrives, Americans can begin to respond to provide their census information via the online questionnaire, phone or paper by mail.
What Information Does the Census Collect?
The 2020 census will collect data on the following information:
How many people were living or staying in the residence on April 1, 2020;
Whether the residence is owned, rented or occupied without payment;
Your telephone number;
The first and last name of each person;
The sex of each person;
The age and birthdate of each person;
The race of each person.
The census will never ask for Social Security numbers, bank or credit card numbers, money or donations, or anything related to political parties.
How Does the Census Count those Who Don’t Have a Permanent Residence?
From March 30 to April 1, the Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
In early April, Census takers will begin visiting college campuses, senior centers and others who live among large groups of people.
What if I Don’t Speak or Read English?
The Census Bureau will provide the census online or over the phone in 13 languages, including English: Arabic, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Tagalog English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Paper forms are only available in English and Spanish.
What Happens if I Don’t Fill Out the Census Form?
If the Census form is not filled out by early April, trained Census takers will begin visiting homes to collect the census data on smartphones. Census takers will also be deployed to rural areas, such as remote Alaska, northern Maine and American Indian reservations.
Are My Answers Confidential?
Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about individuals, households or businesses, even to law enforcement agencies. The information can only be used for statistical purposes. Title 44 of the U.S. Code allows the National Archives and Records Administration to release census records only after 72 years, and all census bureau staff take a lifetime oath to protect personal information.
What Is the Data Used For?
Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution says, “Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers…”
Apportionment mandates that an apportionment of representatives among the states must be carried out every 10 years. The 435 seats of the House of Representatives is divided among the 50 states based on state population based on the decennial (every 10 years) census.
The census also helps to determine where nearly $675 billion in federal funds can be distributed to fund schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.
How Do I Identify a Census Worker?
In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau also collects data for other surveys throughout the year.
A Census Bureau employee will:
Present an ID badge with their name, photograph, Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date;
Have an official bag and Census Bureau-issued electronic device such as a laptop or smartphone, bearing the Census Bureau logo;
Conduct their work between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., local time;
Be at local organizations and community events with computer tablets to help individuals respond online to the 2020 Census.
How Can I Help with The Census?
The U.S. Census Bureau offers hundreds of thousands of temporary jobs, including field and office positions, in the United States and Puerto Rico. A single application allows you to be considered for several positions, including census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, and supervisory staff.
To find pay rates near you, follow this link.
To apply for a 2020 Census job, click here.
What Happens Next?
By December 2020, the Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress, as required by law.
By March 31, 2021, Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
