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SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a common sight every ten years, Census workers knocking on doors asking how many people live there.
All that changed on March 18, when coronavirus restrictions prevented them from interacting with the public. Starting this week, Census takers will be back in action — with some modifications.
No one will ask questions face-to-face
Workers dressed in government-provided protective equipment will leave an envelope on the doorsteps of nearly 90,000 Utahns. Inside is an ID number to use if you fill out the Census online, or a paper questionnaire.
The 2020 Census is required by the Constitution and counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories. It is taken every ten years.
By knowing how many people live in a community, the correct amount of government money can be directed to where it’s needed. It also has an impact on the number of elected legislatures each state gets to send to Washington for representation.
The deadline to either fill out the 2020 Census online or mail it in is Aug. 14.
