March 20, 2020 — Today, the U.S. Census Bureau held an operational press briefing [insert link] to highlight how 2020 Census operations are on track and moving forward despite the COVID-19 crisis [link to updated COVID statement]. Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census are in the mail and people have begun to respond.   

“The Census is here—the time to respond is now!” said Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham. “It’s so important to respond to the census because it allows you the opportunity to shape the future of your family and your community for the next 10 years.”

By now, most households in the United States have received a letter with instructions on how to respond to the census online, by phone or by mail. The online and phone response options can be completed in English and 12 additional languages. Additionally, a paper questionnaire is being delivered to about 21.8 percent of the nation’s addresses where internet connectivity is low. Every household that does not respond to the initial invitation by early April will also receive a paper questionnaire.

Participants at today’s briefing included NAMES OF OFFICIALS. The briefing highlighted how responses to the census will benefit communities across the nation, and featured early response rate data which is available online via the  2020 Census Response Rate Map. The 2020 Response Rate Map will be live as of 3:00 p.m. EST today. 

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The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The 2020 Census will count everyone who lives in the United States as of April 1, 2020. Census statistics help determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated for the next 10 years for critical public services like emergency response, fire departments, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges.

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.