Get the Answers: FAQs about the 2020 U.S. Census

Census Day is April 1, 2020 and we’re spreading the word about how important the census is to our community.

 

The census brings valuable resources to the Charlotte region, such as federal funding for education, health care, transportation and other community services. This helps our community to be the best place it can for generations to come.

 

The census is a count taken every 10 years of every person in the United States. It is convenient, safe and required by law.

 

 

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

 

 

Can I only take the census online?

 

NO. The 2020 Census will be available online, by phone and by mail. Online and phone responses can be completed in 13 languages. A paper form will be mailed to every house that hasn’t responded already when the Census Bureau sends its fourth mail piece out.

 

 

Does the 2020 Census ask about citizenship status?

 

NO. The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.

 

 

Are non-citizens counted in the census?

 

YES. Everyone counts. The 2020 Census counts everyone living in the country, including non-citizens.

 

 

What questions WILL NOT be asked by the Census Bureau?

 

During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for:

 

• Your Social Security number
• Money or donations
• Anything on behalf of a political party
• Your bank or credit card account numbers

 

If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks for one of these things, it’s a scam and you should not cooperate.

 

 

Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me?

 

NO. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential.

 

 

Everyone counts, from newborns to senior citizens! It only takes a few minutes to ensure you and your family are counted. To learn more, visit www.MeckCounts2020.com and www.2020census.gov.