2010 Census Workers Going Door To Door

By Jamie McGriff, The News On 6

UNDATED -- The U.S. Department of Commerce says thousands of Oklahomans have not filled out their census form.

The U.S. Census Bureau has spent millions of dollars in advertising to urge people to participate, saying $400 billion in federal funding is up for grabs. Twenty-eight percent of Tulsa County residents haven't done so, and can now expect a visit to their homes. That's the same as the national average.

The census count will be underway for the next few months and there are certain things to look for when somebody comes knocking on your door saying they work for the census.

The U.S. Census Bureau says a census taker will carry a black canvas bag with the U.S. Department of Commerce Logo and paperwork from the census. That person will provide their supervisor's contact information, or a local census office phone number. 

They can also provide a drivers license or photo ID if you ask for it. 

There are some things that a census worker will not ask for, like social security numbers, bank account information or information about your taxes or income. 

If anybody who says they're with the census asks to come into your home -- that's a bad sign.

"We do not allow our census employees to ever step into the house, we'll actually just stand on the porch, the patio or we'll just stand on the other side of the door and ask for those questions," said Joe Goodwin, U.S. Census Office.

A census worker will also carry an official badge. 

If you have any questions about your census form or need help filling one out, you can call 1-816-994-2000.

4/12/2010  Related Story: U.S. Census Bureau Looking For Workers In Oklahoma