Census takers will soon visit

 The 2020 Census, which began in March with requests for those living within the United States and its five territories to complete their household survey online, will enter the next stage, door-to-door visits from census takers, in the upcoming weeks.

In an attempt to get 100 percent participation, the U.S. Census Bureau will go door-to-door to collect responses from households that did not respond to the census on their own. “Census Takers” will make visits between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and will ask 10 questions to collect basic information about the household and the people who live in it but will not ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account information. Because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Census Bureau workers will use personal protective equipment, which includes cloth masks and hand sanitizer.  Additionally, they have received safety training on social distancing protocols.

Field representatives for the U.S. Census Bureau will present an ID badge that includes their name, their photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. They will also be carrying an official 2020 Census bag and Census Bureau-issued electronic device, such as a laptop or smartphone, bearing the Census Bureau logo. Cars circulating neighborhoods will be identifiable by an “official business” notice on their car.

City and county officials both have been encouraging Sparta and White County residents to participate in the 2020 Census as the population and demographic numbers obtained this year will be what is used for obtaining federal funding, grants and even zoning for state representatives.

To avoid a visit from the Census Bureau, complete the Census survey online. The survey, which should take less than 10 minutes to fill out, needs to be completed as soon as possible. The questionnaire can be found online at www.2020Census.gov or https://my2020census.gov Anyone needing assistance completing the 2020 Census questionnaire is encouraged to visit the White County Executive Office, 1 E. Bockman Way, Room 205, in Sparta, or call (931) 836- 3203.