The following information is being shared by Cobb government agencies and Cobb Police about 2020 Census Bureau canvassing that recently got underway around the country:
If you’ve seen people walking around your neighborhood with a shoulder bag, phone, laptop, and/or a badge, you might think they’re solicitors but they might actually be census takers. Between August 4th and October 18th, census takers will be canvassing neighborhoods gathering information, verifying addresses, and collecting other data in preparation for the 2020 Census.
Here’s a two minute video that describes what exactly the census takers are doing and how you can identify them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOSl4sc3Ts4.
There are also these two links https://2020census.gov/en/census-takers.html?# and 2020CENSUS.GOV that have interactive maps and more information for you to check out the census process.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the census process:
1) Why does the Census Bureau do this? You might see census takers in your neighborhood for a few different reasons:
- They are verifying addresses in preparation for the census;
- They are collecting responses to the census or another survey;
- They are dropping off census materials;
- They are conducting quality checks on the census. Census takers who verify addresses are called address canvassers. They help ensure an accurate and complete count by verifying address lists across a wide area of physical geography, housing structures, and residence types. Part of this effort involves census takers on the ground noting where houses, apartments, shelters, and other residences are located. Census takers will attempt to knock on every door in the neighborhood they are canvassing.
2) How can I verify the identity of a census worker? If you are visited by someone from the U.S. Census Bureau, here are some tips to assure the validity of the field representative:
- Census takers must present an ID badge that includes a photograph of the field representative, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date;
- Note that census workers may be carrying a Census Bureau phone or a laptop as well as a bag with a Census Bureau logo;
- If you still have questions, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.
3) How can I avoid being visited at home by Census workers? The best way to avoid being visited at home is to fill out your 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. Households will receive an invitation to begin participating in the census by April 1, 2020.
We hope this information will alleviate any concern that might be generated from unknown people on your property or knocking on your door.
As always, if you’re concerned about suspicious activity, the police department is here to help. But we are aware of the census takers and we want you to be aware, too!
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