The 2020 Census is underway! It’s not too late to respond!
Respond to the Census online right now at: https://my2020census.gov/
If you are uncomfortable with or unable to use a computer or access the Internet, you may call (844) 330-2020 (English). Click here for phone numbers in other languages and the TDD number.
Local census takers are out visiting households that have not yet responded to the Census. Census takers are identified by their badges and equipment. They will also be wearing face masks and have been trained on social distancing and other safety protocols. If you respond online or by phone today, a census taker is less likely to have to visit your home to collect your response. You can learn more about census takers in your neighborhood here.
To see what questions are asked, view a sample of the Paper Census Form. The online portal has the same questions but in a slightly different format. Walk through what questions are asked and why.
Everyone who lived in your home as of April 1 should be included in your census response. This includes newborn babies (even if they hadn’t come home yet), young children, unmarried partners, extended family, roommates, live-in care givers, and college students who live at home all year. Take this quiz to learn about who you should include when completing the Census.
UPDATE REGARDING COLLEGE STUDENTS LIVING AWAY AT SCHOOL – Many college students were home starting in spring due to school closings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Census Bureau has issued a clarification: College students who would normally live away from home, either in dormitories or in off-campus housing, should still be counted in these places, even if they were home on April 1 because of a school closing. Students who live in school-associated housing such as dormitories or off-campus school housing units don’t need to do anything; the schools are working with the Census Bureau to get the right count. Students who live in other housing, such as their own house or apartment, should respond to the Census invitation they received at that address. Everyone living in the residence should be counted including roommates. If you’re not sure if your roommates have responded separately, go ahead and include them in your response; the Census Bureau has ways to check for duplicates. See the Census Bureau’s new video to make sure your student is counted in the right place.
The Census does NOT ask for sensitive or financial information such as your social security number, bank accounts, or passwords. The Census does NOT ask about or reference political affiliation and does NOT request a donation. The Census Bureau will NOT contact you by email. If a census taker comes to your door, they will be identified by their badges and equipment. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of the person at your door, you can call the Census Bureau at (800) 923-8282. Visit the Census Bureau’s web page for more information about how to avoid frauds and scams.
For more information about how the census keeps your information confidential, see the Confidentiality Fact Sheet. The 2020 Census does NOT ask about citizenship status. All data collected by the Census is confidential and cannot be shared with any other federal, state or local agency or with private entities such as landlords. View a short video about census confidentiality.
The online Census portal is available in English and 12 other languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Polish, and Japanese. Translators speaking these 12 languages are available by telephone. The paper forms will be available in English and Spanish. Written guides to completing the Census are available in 59 languages including American Sign Language on the Census website. Guides are also available in braille and large print. View the list and download guides here.
For a quick look at what, why & how: Census 101 Handout
The 2020 Census is the Constitutionally-mandated counting of every resident in the United States. This census is taken every 10 years and is used to apportion representation in the House of Representatives. Data collected by the census is used to allocate federal and state funding in addition to providing statistical data for a variety of public and private endeavors including for use by schools, businesses, local governments, and service organizations. It is therefore important that all people residing in Wilmette respond to the census completely and accurately to ensure that Wilmette and Illinois receive financial resources and congressional representation for our population.
The Census Bureau is hiring for temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff. Many positions need to be filled, including here in Wilmette. If you are interested, please see the 2020 Census job website at 2020census.gov/en/jobs.
If you have questions about the Census or Wilmette’s efforts to promote participation, please contact the Community Development Department at (847) 853-7550 or email comdev@wilmette.com.
Click the link to view the Wilmette Census presentation for community groups.
Below is a short video about how to complete the census.