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Census Bureau: You Can Complete The Census Without An ID Code

Montanas are being asked to report Census data online or by phone even without receiving a specialized ID code to begin the process.
U.S. Census Bureau
Montanas are being asked to report Census data online or by phone even without receiving a specialized ID code to begin the process.

Montanas are being asked to report Census data online or by phone even without receiving a specialized ID code to begin the process.

A press release from the Montana Dept of Commerce on Monday says the state’s response remains critical as Census field operations across the U.S. are being suspended due to COVID-19.

Normally, residents would use a 12-digit Census ID delivered through the mail to access an online questionnaire. However, in Montana, more than 35 percent of homes do not receive mail at a traditional household address.

The Census Bureau does not mail to post office boxes or rural route addresses and communication with these households will not resume until door-to-door operations commence.

Those without an ID have the option of starting the online questionnaire or calling in their response.

Census reporting affects how local voting districts are shaped and whether or not Montana will have more representation in Congress.

According to Census data, Montana receives an estimated $2 billion in federal funds each year that supports schools, healthcare and highways, among other public works.

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