How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond
Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone.
Nearly every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020
Census from either a postal worker or a census worker.
What to Expect in the Mail
When it’s time to respond, most households will receive an invitation in the
mail.
Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone.
Depending on how likely your area is to respond online, you’ll receive either an invitation
encouraging you to respond online or an invitation along with a paper questionnaire.
Letter Invitation
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Most areas of the country are likely to respond online, so most households will receive
a letter asking you to go online to complete the census questionnaire.
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The U.S. Census Bureau plans on working with the U.S. Postal Service to stagger the
delivery of invitations over several days.
This will allow the number of users responding online to be spread out, and allow better
service for those who need help over the phone.
Letter Invitation and Paper Questionnaire
-
Areas that are less likely to respond online will receive a paper questionnaire along
with their invitation. The invitation will also include information about how to respond
online or by phone.
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WHAT U.S. CENSUS BUREAU WILL
SEND IN THE MAIL
|
| On or between |
You’ll receive: |
| March 12–20 |
An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census. (Some households will also
receive paper questionnaires.)
|
| March 16–24 |
A reminder letter |
|
If you haven’t responded yet: |
| March 26–April 3 |
A reminder postcard. |
| April 8–16 |
A reminder letter and paper questionnaire. |
| April 20–27 |
A final reminder postcard before U.S. Census Bureau follow up in person. |
We understand you might miss our initial letter in the mail to:
- If you miss the initial letter in the mail
-
It doesn’t matter which initial invitation you receive or how you receive it – the U.S.
Census Bureau will follow up in person with all households that do not respond.
