The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with federal, state and local health officials, will begin to drop off 2020 Census questionnaire packets at front doors of households in Wisconsin starting the week of May 25. This is done in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their physical address.
The Census Bureau began hand-delivering census materials on March 15, but suspended all fieldwork for this operation on March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Temporary field staff have been trained to observe all social distancing protocols and will wear official government-provided personal protective equipment for their safety and the safety of the public.
This operation is contactless and follows the most current federal health and safety guidelines. The health and safety of Census Bureau staff and the public is always a top priority.
The Census Bureau will deliver 2020 Census invitations and paper questionnaires at the front doors of roughly 5.1 million stateside households, and 92,600 households in Wisconsin.
This operation is crucial to ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities, which helps guide hundreds of billions of dollars in public and private sector spending per year.
Although they are found throughout Wisconsin, there are high concentrations of “Update Leave” households in the northern counties, some west-central counties, and a few in southern or southwestern Wisconsin.
People are strongly encouraged to respond promptly to the 2020 Census using the ID number included in the questionnaire packet.
Responding with a census ID or the paper questionnaire helps ensure the best count of their community.
People can respond online, by phone or by using the paper form in the packet.
For more information, please visit the 2020 Census COVID-19 operational adjustments page.
Here are some key points we hope you will share with your audiences:
- The 2020 Census is still taking place.Wisconsin is among the nation’s leading states for self-response.
As of May 22, 2020, Wisconsin ranked 2nd in the nation, with a self-response rate of 67.2%, compared with the national response rate of 59.8%.
- If you already received an invitation to participate in the Census, now is a great time to respond.
Responding to the 2020 Census is easier than ever before. You can respond by internet, phone and mail.
Use the ID number included in the questionnaire packet or mailing. Responding with a census ID or the paper questionnaire helps ensure the best count of your community.
- If you haven’t received an invitation, please be patient.A Census Bureau worker will deliver the 2020 Census packet to your door if you are in an Update Leave household, or where your mail goes to a Post Office box or does not get delivered to your physical address, once Update Leave resumes in Wisconsin the week of May 25.
They are required to be trained to follow social distancing protocols, and will be provided with personal protective equipment.
They will just leave the 2020 Census packet – there is no need to make personal contact, and they should not even knock on your door.
Participation in the 2020 Census is important to you and your community.
Sidebar for above story…
The results of the 2020 Census will be used to inform federal funding for critical public services in our communities for the next 10 years such as:
Unemployment Insurance
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Federal Pell Grant Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
School Breakfast Program
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program