Ignored the Census? Alexandrians Should Expect Doorknocks

Knock-knock. Who’s there? Census Takers.

It’s no joke, and later this month Alexandrians who haven’t responded to the 2020 Census should expect a visit from census takers.

The City Council budgeted $80,000 to encourage residents to fill out the census, since the U.S. Census Bureau estimates a loss of $20,000 in federal funding per person left uncounted over the course of the decade.

“Whether you were born in the U.S., moved here 10 years ago, or moved here 10 days ago, you are entitled to your share of representation and resources!” the city said.

According to the city:

• Census takers are required to wear masks when they visit, and to follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials. Prior to visiting homes, census takers must complete a virtual COVID-19 training on physical distancing protocols and other health and safety guidance.
• Census takers are hired from the local community. All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the householder may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.
• If no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone, or by mail. People are encouraged to cooperate with census takers and ensure that everyone who was living in their household as of April 1, 2020, is counted.

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