The 2020 censusopens a new window is now live!
Why should I fill out the census? It's a question a lot of people ask, and the 2020 census takers have some answersopens a new window.
Your responses inform where over $675 billion is distributed each year to communities nationwide for clinic, schools, roads, and more. Colorado received over $13 billion in 2016 for federal programs. Colorado is likely to gain a Congressional House seat, depending on the census count this year.
So when you take the censusopens a new window, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Confidentiality
No identifiable information about you from the census can be shared with others. The information you provide in the census cannot be used against you, and you will not be asked about your citizenship status.
Census Scams
Every census year, there tend to be a few scams that take advantage of people who are expecting census questions. Luckily, there are ways to tell when someone is not from the census. Someone from the census will NEVER ask for:
- Donations
- Your Social Security number
- Your bank account information
- Your mother's maiden name
If you receive mail from the census, it should be sent from Jeffersonville, Indiana. Calls should come from the numbers you can find listed on the census websiteopens a new window. When you get a visit to your door from census takers, they should always have an official badge on, and if you want to verify their identity you can call the regional office in Denver at 1-800-852-6159.
If a census taker threatens you or objects to you checking their identity, that may be a sign they are trying to scam you. It is within your rights to verify their identity.
Ways to Respond
For the first time, you will be able to fill out the census online. But if you prefer, you will still be able to respond over the phone or by mail. If you want more information about these options or have an unusual living situation, you can find more information on the 2020 census websiteopens a new window.
Further Information
Still have questions about the census? Read this great census resourceopens a new window that goes through all the questions on the census and why this information is requested. You can also ask a librarian to find out more.
