The U.S. Census Bureau is researching modern and cost-efficient methods for the population to exercise its civic obligation to be counted in the 2020 Census. Whether through the Internet, telephone or traditional paper questionnaires, the Census Bureau is committed to making the mandatory once-a-decade headcount quick, easy and safe for all to participate.

Through the smart use of technology and existing government data sources, the 2020 Census seeks to provide substantial taxpayer savings while maintaining the highest quality and accuracy standards. The 2014 Census Test will allow the Census Bureau to test on a small scale a variety of new methods and eventually advance technologies that are under consideration for the 2020 Census. The test will take place from end of June through September 2014.

• Test ways to use the Internet to increase self-response and reduce the reliance on paper questionnaires.
• Improve follow-up data collection methodologies with those households that
  fail to respond to the test census while maintaining data quality.

• Allow respondents to preregister their e-mail address, cell phone number, mailing address or physical location.
• Enable a variety of methods for respondents to select a response option: Internet, telephone interview or paper questionnaire.
• Reduce the number of contacts made to a nonresponding household by using previously collected data.
• Utilize existing data sources to count nonresponding households to reduce follow-up field work.

*Dates are approximate

The Census Bureau will conduct the 2014 Census Test in portions of Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD. The test area includes approximately 200,000 housing units. The Census Bureau has opened a temporary Local Census Office in downtown Silver Spring, MD to conduct the test.