Statewide, Iowa — The last phase of the 2020 U.S Census is underway in Iowa. Spokesperson, Sam Fettig, says counters are going to homes where people haven’t completed the Census.
(as said) “It’ll go until the end of September. People can continue to self-respond either online, by phone, or the paper form in the mail, but we’re in kind of the home stretch here as those census takers start out with the door knocking.”
He says Iowa has been among the leaders in filling out the forms.
(as said) Fettig says “The state is currently at 69 percent, so 31 percent of households that leaves, that have not yet responded, that will start to get those visits from census takers.”
Fettig says the Census takers will be easily recognized if they come to your home.
(as said) “All census takers are hired locally and come from the community. They’ll have official census identification out: cards, badges. That they should be wearing visibly around their neck,” Fettig says. “They all have been given masks that they will be required to wear while working for COVID-19 safety.”
He says the Census takers will keep a six-foot distance when speaking with anyone.
(as said) “They’ll just walk through the questions that are on the Census form, collecting that response from the household,” Fettig says. “If someone isn’t home or doesn’t answer the door when a Census taker comes by, the Census taker will leave a notice of their visit which asks the person to complete their self-response online, by phone, or by mail. Or mentions that a Census worker will come back to attempt again.”
Fettig says they will do their best to ensure they count everyone.
(as said) “We do follow up with every household that hasn’t responded, anywhere from three to six times,” Fettig says.
Fettig says if you get noticed that a Census taker has visited. You can still go and fill out the Census information yourself. You can go to 2020Census.gov to find more information, or call 844-330-2020. Phone lines are open 6 a.m. to 1 a.m central time, seven days a week.
