Census 2020

Wisconsin leads the country in responses, fill out your census online, over the phone or in the mail

It is April 2, have you completed your federal census yet?

In mid-March households throughout the country received letters from the U.S. Census Bureau with information about how to fill out the census information online.

As of this week, 40.8% households in the state have responded to fill out their census forms. This leads the country. The national average response rate is just 33.1% “Completing the census form is important to your community in providing for its future over the next 10 years. Census data is used to determine representation in Congress, distribution of federal funds for hospitals, parks, roads, schools, and other community services, and is ultimately our obligation as a resident of the United States,” said Daniel R. McCollum a partnership specialist with the Census Bureau.

“Completing the census has never been easier as we can provide our information by going online, calling one of the telephone banks, or waiting for the paper survey,” McCollum stated.

The quickest and easiest way to complete the ballot is to go online to My2020census.gov to complete the survey.

The 2020 Census will be the first time that the public can respond online or by phone, in addition to the traditional paper response. Technology improvements over the last decade that allow for these secure response options also enable the public to respond without a Census Bureau-issued identification number—making it easier to respond anytime, anywhere.

Beginning in mid-March 2020, everyone will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. That invitation will include a unique Census ID that links you to a physical address. But you can also respond online or by phone without a Census ID.

How do I respond without an ID?

On the 2020 Census response website, select the link under the login button that says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”

Can I respond online without an ID on any device or browser?

Yes. Responding online without an ID works on most modern devices. For best results use the two latest versions of the following browsers: Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Samsung Native.

Is my response affected if I don’t use a Census ID?

Your Census ID allows us to immediately match your response to an address. If you respond without your Census ID, we’ll ask you for your address when you respond so we can link your response to your address.

How do I provide my address?

When responding online without an ID, there are three options for entering an address: 1) STREET ADDRESS For this option, you will be prompted to enter an address number, street name, and either the city and state or the ZIP Code. If a valid street address isn’t available, check the box that says, “I do not have a street address” and you can proceed to enter a rural route address or other address/location (see options below).

2) RURAL ROUTE ADDRESS A rural route address includes a rural route descriptor, rural route number, rural route box ID number, city and state or ZIP Code.

3) OTHER ADDRESS/PHYSICAL LOCATION If you do not have a rural route address, the system will first ask if you are experiencing homelessness. Then, it will invite you to enter a city, state, ZIP Code, and description of the physical place where you live.