Census workers gearing up for 2020


The counting of people residing in the United States won’t start until next year but preparations for the count done every 10 years has already begun.

“We right now have Census workers in the field — and likely Pipestone County residents — making sure addresses are accurate,” said Jim Acurso, partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, during the Aug. 27 Pipestone County Commissioner meeting.

Counting of the nation’s residents will begin in March 2020. Instead of receiving a paper questionnaire in the mail, residents will receive an invitation to complete the questionnaire online. Those invitations are expected to arrive between March 12 and 20.

In some areas where the Census Bureau expects that people would be less likely to respond online, residents will receive a paper questionnaire as well. Completing the census by phone will also be an option.

Residents will receive a reminder letter between March 16 and 24. If they don’t complete the census questionnaire after that, another reminder will be sent out, followed by another reminder and a paper questionnaire, and finally one more reminder before a census worker visits the residence.

Acurso said the questionnaires take about 10 minutes to complete. Questions on a sample questionnaire available at 2020census.gov include the number of people who live at a residence; if it’s a house, apartment or mobile home; telephone number; and the names, sex, age and race of everyone living at the residence.

Census data is used in many ways including the annual distribution of about $675 billion in federal funding, decision making by governmental units and other entities, and redrawing of federal, state and local legislative districts, according to information presented by Acurso.

Acurso said it takes 40,000 census workers to fill 4,000 different jobs in Minnesota alone to complete the census. He said the Census Bureau is still looking for workers. Those interested can learn more at 2020census.gov/jobs.

The Census Bureau is also looking for Complete Count Committee members. The volunteer committees are comprised of local residents who raise awareness of the census and encourage people to participate. Those interested in becoming part of the Complete Count Committee locally can contact Jeff Jones, Pipestone city administrator, at 507-825-3342 or by email at jrjones@cityofpipestone.com.

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