Get Counted in the Census While You’re Quarantined During the Coronavirus Crisis

While the world is counting on America to find a solution for the coronavirus, communities and organizations are depending on people to be counted in the Census for funding. American’s response to the Census helps direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. Results will also be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and political representation at all levels of government.

Traditionally, it has been difficult getting black and brown people counted in the Census due to a number of access-related issues. Now, the Census questionnaire is available online, by phone, or by mail. The 2020 Census questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete depending on the number of people in your household. If you have not received a questionnaire in the mail, you can be counted online. The information that you submit online is privacy protected.

Related: Civil Rights Leader Marc Morial Warns Black People to Stay ‘Woke and Aware’ in 2020

What you need to know before you get started:

• You must complete your questionnaire once you begin. If you leave the questionnaire and return later, you will have to start over.
• Do not use the web browser buttons (back, forward, or close browser). Use the buttons within the questionnaire to navigate.
• For best results, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari. Enable cookies.

Key Dates for the US Census

• January 21: The U.S. Census Bureau started counting the population in remote Alaska. The count officially began in the rural Alaskan village of Toksook Bay.
• March 12 – 20: Households began receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
• March 30 – April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
• April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. When you respond to the census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
• April: Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers will also begin following up with households that have not yet responded in areas that include off-campus housing, where residents are not counted in groups. [This is subject to change given the Coronavirus outbreak]
• May – July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
• December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.

2021

• March 31: By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.

                                 [Source: U.S. Census Bureau]

To get counted, Visit my2020census.gov