Queen Anne’s County citizens may see census takers in neighborhoods throughout the county to verify addresses in preparation for the 2020 Census.
Address canvassers 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 noting where houses, apartments, and other residences are located.
How Can You Verify That Someone Is a Census Worker?
If someone visits your home to collect information for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
- First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
- If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.
Why Are Census Workers Out in Communities?
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 related to the census.
Census takers who verify addresses are called address canvassers. They help ensure an accurate and complete count by verifying addresses and noting where houses, apartments, and other residences are located. Census takers will attempt to knock on every door in the neighborhood they are canvassing.
Explore where the Census Bureau plans to send address canvassers with this interactive map.
https://gis-portal.data.census.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1a0004d1745547888c8fd2f4d929d42f
In May 2020, census takers will begin visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to help ensure everyone is counted. At the same time, other Census Bureau representatives will be visiting homes for ongoing surveys, such as the American Community Survey.
Be Proactive - By April 1, 2020, all homes will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. The best way to avoid a follow-up visit from a census taker is to fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail as soon as you receive your invitation to participate.