Census Workers Hit The Pavement On May 1

Marlinton, WV – April 1 was National Decennial census day. Since that day, residents across the United States have been urged to fill out and mail in their census forms. Now the National 2010 Census moves into the next phase. According to Regional Census Coordinator Robin McClintock, on May 1st, census workers will start visiting the homes of those who haven’t mailed in their information.

“A census worker will actually knock on the door and ask to do the census right then and there with the homeowner,” McClintock said.

Over 60 Pocahontas County residents have been hired to work in this phase of the count, so neighbors are talking to neighbors. McClintock says in some cases, it may require multiple visits to catch homeowners.

“Our policy is that we can visit a home up to 6 times, May through July,” she said.

If they do miss a homeowner, they will leave a contact number so an appointment can be set up. In rare cases, they may even do the census over the phone. She says they’re under a deadline to get the information as quickly as possible.

McClintock emphasizes that the census information is not shared with any other agency, government or otherwise. Census workers are required to take a lifelong vow of secrecy, and they can face criminal prosecution if they divulge any information gathered. It also means that census workers will not ask for social security numbers or for any other personal identification information.

She says even if you’re living well apart from mainstream society, you can still participate and help your community.

Census workers across the country are scheduled to begin their home visits on May 1.