The Constitution mandates that all people be counted every ten years in a national census. The United States Census Bureau is in charge of conducting the Census, its mission is to serve as the nation’s leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. While this effort is led by the Census Bureau, it requires support from local government, businesses, and nonprofit leaders.
How does it work?
In March 2020, you will receive a census postcard in the mail. On this postcard will be a code that will lead you to the online census survey.
If you prefer, you can call the number on the postcard and submit your responses over the phone. These are the two easiest ways to be included in the count for your neighborhood.
You can respond to the Census online or by phone in 12 different languages.
That being said, if you do not respond to the postcard, additional steps will be taken to ensure you are counted. These steps include mailing a paper form and a Census Bureau employee knocking on your door to offer in-person assistance.
Philadelphia and the Census
In Philadelphia, we are already working to ensure a complete and accurate count in 2020! The City of Philadelphia is partnering closely with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure it is fast and easy for everyone to participate. We will have multiple locations where you can talk to a Census representative close to your neighborhood.
The Mayor has created a Complete Count Committee to increase awareness about the 2020 Census and help everyone in our city respond. The Complete Count Committee will be coordinating with City representatives, community organizations, and businesses to ensure a complete count of everyone living in Philadelphia once, only once, and in their correct location.
Partners will serve as Census ambassadors to help raise awareness of the Census in their community and encourage participation among their friends and family, employees, customers, members, and the general public. We will need volunteers to help us talk to friends and neighbors about the census and why everyone should participate. You can sign up to volunteer at www.phila.gov/census.
What can you do?
Help us spread the word. Become a part of this historic event. Sign up for updates by following @uscensusbureau on Twitter. We will also continue to keep you posted here on phila.gov so check back for updates often!
Respond early when you receive your survey card in the mail. There are more ways than ever to respond to the Census. You can reply online, by mail, by phone, or by in-person interview.
