Lisa

I did some census work this year. The part I did was just confirming that addresses were correct for mailing purposes. There are 2 different census forms, short form and long form. The long form is the one that ask the more personal info, although I haven't seen one and I don't know what all they ask. Is it a pain, yeah, but really not that big of a deal. It's all for statistical purposes only having to do with how many representatives the state of Texas can have and was started by our forefathers for the benefit of the people. Anyway, the next phase is to send out census rep's to those who did not fill out or mail back in their census forms. People didn't like me confirming their addresses so I think I'm going to pass on working the next phase, I know they don't want to answer all my questions, especially from the long form. Those who never received a form can expect a visitor!

Up North

WE had to do both the short and long forms this time. Long form took a lot longer. Hubby did it tho.

azdesertrat

people don't want to fill it out because its the "Big Brother Is Watching YOU " phobia,it is only 10 questions, nothing intrusive,but it is only 10 questions if there is only one person in the house,there is a section of about 10 questions for every person living in your house related or not, that does need to be counted,but then again the questions are the most basic, age, ethnicity and such.and if you don't fill it out and send t back it hurts the community because they could gain more financial help from the government if they hace a correct count of the people living there.And if you don't send it back they will send people to every house that recieved a census to help them fill it out

azdesertrat

personally i liked the census forms from days gone by where they asked more info,because 100-150 years from now when your descendants are doing their family history there isn't going to be alot of info they can get from them

stitchinwitch

good point!

stitchinwitch

invasion of privacy

Old Owl Gray

To not reply will reflect an inability to see the big picture or the common good. Answer what you are comfortable with. Just a number is needed.

Carol's Quilts

I, too, got the short form and filled it out and returned it right away - didn't mind at all. really think the government knows a whole lot more about me than they asked on that form anyway. What does bother me is the cost - paper, ink, printing, postage, and the salaries for everyone involved. So what else is new?

Lisanne

Isn't it a little late to be asking this? I thought these were supposed to be sent in by April 1.

I think this was the first time I felt okay about filling out the census form. I got the short form.

They tried hard to let everyone know that this isn't a Big Brother thing. The purpose is to allocate Federal funds and whatnot to the correct areas, also to get a sense of demographics. They say they will not be sharing this information with any other government agencies. (Okay, I only believe that to a point, but they do make that claim.)

The advance notices aren't a waste of money. People who know the census form will be coming are more likely to recognize it for what it is when it does arrive and less likely to automatically throw it out with the junk mail. I'm sure they've done studies and found this to be cost effective. (I hear some of you hooting at me!)

Rather than taking offense at the race/ethnicity question, you're better off answering it accurately. Race and ethnicity still count in our society, so it does help to know what groups live where.

Pam

Why did they want to know if I am a renter, owner, live in a trailer and if my home is paid off? A vote for a Congressional officer is a vote, One man, one vote, homeowner or not. My kids are adopted, so 4 different races went back on the form, I AM expecting a follow up visit on THAT one! LOL