The next U.S. census isn't scheduled to be taken until 2030, but the federal government says help is wanted well before then in six states for the national head count's major field test.

Recruiting door knockers and other temporary workers for the "2026 Census Test" starts Monday in parts of Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas , the Census Bureau announced on its website.

The census test is supposed to help the bureau develop better ways of getting complete and accurate population counts and demographic data, especially of historically undercounted populations such as children under the age of 5, people of color and renters.

Some people living outside of the test sites may also receive invitations in the mail to participate starting in March 2026 a

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