If you haven’t filled out your census form, you can expect to have someone to appear at your residence in person.

According to Adam Dolce, Chautauqua County Census Committee chairman, the U.S. Census is now sending enumerators to visit properties in the county that have yet to respond.

That information they take is confidential and safe,” he explained in a telephone interview. “It’s been rolling out in communities across country.” The goal is to have all local citizens counted by the end of September.

Dolce noted all census enumerators are given official identification which includes photo ID.

Chris Iven, a media specialist for the New York Regional Census Center, addressed the issue of the coronavirus in an email. “Participation in 2020 Census interviews should present a low risk of transmission of COVID-19, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control). The Census Bureau will provide face masks to census takers and requires that census takers wear a mask while conducting their work. They will follow CDC and local public health guidelines when they visit. Census takers must complete a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing protocols and other health and safety guidance before beginning their work in neighborhoods,” he said.

Another issue he addressed is language barriers. “All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the household may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language,” Iven said.

According to Iven, if no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail.

Dolce said if local residents do not want an enumerator to visit their house, they should go on line to www.my2020census.gov and fill in their information, using their address.

According to Dolce, as of Aug. 14, nationally 63.4% households have responded, 59.2% New York households have responded and 56.4% of Chautauqua County households have responded.

The towns of Kiantone and Sheridan are among the top responders, above 70% while the village of Bemus Point and the town of Chautauqua are among the worst, below 30%.

The Census is also seeking seasonal properties to register. Individuals should go to to www.my2020census.gov and do the following:

¯ Enter the Census ID or address for this secondary property

¯ Enter “0” for the number of people living at this property

¯ Hit Next, and when a “soft error” occurs, click Next again

¯ Select “No” when asked to confirm no person lives at this property

¯ Select primary reason – Seasonal (most likely)

¯ Complete!

“Following these instructions ensures all properties are counted,” the Census states on its website.