There is still time to be counted
By Carin R. Kirkegaard
September marks the final month that residents can be counted in the 2020 Census. In August, the Census Bureau began following up with households across the nation that have not responded to the questionnaire. The Bureau estimates it will need to visit about 56 million addresses to collect responses in person.
Postcards and paper questionnaires were mailed to homes in mid-April. Included on these documents was a unique 12-character Census identification number (ID). If a resident no longer has documentation of the ID, they can still respond online at https://my2020census.gov; there is a button to click if the resident does not have the unique ID.
As college students return to school, questions may arise about where the student should be counted – at the home where they grew up, or where they live while attending school. The Census Bureau states that students who normally live at school should be counted at school. College students living in on-campus housing like dormitories and Greek housing are counted through the university as part of the Group Quarters Operation.
Students living in off-campus housing like a private house or apartment complex should have one person complete the survey for everyone living in the dwelling – including all roommates. If a student is uncertain about whether to fill out the questionnaire due to concerns of already being counted elsewhere, the Bureau encourages each student to complete the survey.
“We have tools to un-duplicate a response,” said Virginia Hyer, public information officer for the U.S. Census Bureau. “We would rather eliminate duplicates than miss counting a person altogether.”
The results of the 2020 Census will help to determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding will flow into communities every year for the next decade. Results will influence planning for roads, grants for public transportation, money allocations for schools, funding for wildlife restoration and countless other programs.
To be counted in the 2020 Census, visit https://my2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020.
