Households in the 2020 ACS sample are legally required to complete both the ACS and the decennial census. However, receiving two sets of mailings in one calendar year may be confusing to respondents. Also, being asked to complete both the decennial census and the ACS may be burdensome and may decrease the rate of self-response.  

To mitigate these issues, the Census Bureau developed a set of modified mail materials with language that directly addresses the difference between the ACS and the 2020 Census. Interviews were conducted with 47 recipients of the ACS to assess their: 

• Reactions to receiving both the ACS and the 2020 Census, and  

• Impressions of ACS mail materials with added messaging communicating that households need to complete both the ACS and the 2020 Census. This report summarizes the data collection methods and presents the cognitive interview findings. 

This report summarizes the research methods, findings, and recommendations from the cognitive interviews.