[NFBMD] Online 2020 Census

[Lloyd Rasmussen]

We just filled out the online version of the 2020 census. They recommend 
using JAWS and the latest version of Internet Explorer, but I had somewhat 
better results using Firefox. You can do this online, but you need to pay 
attention.
When you get your snail-mail census information, it includes a 12-character 
alphanumeric code that you use to log into the my2020census.gov website. 
This 12-character code indicates the address that will be associated with 
your house or apartment, your household.
I actually had to quit the census form and start over, because I caught 
myself in a trap from which I could find no exit. I somehow had two Lloyd 
Rasmussens and a Judy Rasmussen in the house, and didn't find a way to 
remove one copy of myself!
The second attempt was successful. Once I was on the right track, this 
"ten-minute" process probably took me 30 minutes. One confusing item on the 
online forms is that, in several places, you begin a section by pressing a 
"start button." This, of course, is the same name that is used for a feature 
of the Windows desktop, and I don't remember anyone using this particular 
terminology on a website.
I would say that the online census form is technically accessible, but the 
usability and unambiguousness of web-based questionnaires like this can 
always be improved. It is possible to submit your information online, by 
snail mail or by phone. If you go the online route, your information isn't 
really committed to the system until you hit a Submit button. You cannot 
stop the process and come back into it in a later browser session. Since 
we're all at home, there should be plenty of time to provide this 
information accurately and completely. I would not discourage people from 
using the online census form. All of it is text-based. You should be able to 
succeed if you read carefully and pay attention to the order and grouping of 
items.

Lloyd Rasmussen, Kensington, MD