The Census

Grampa Don

Grampa Don

Yep, that's me
Location
Orange county, Calif.
Is the census getting out of hand?

I have a copy of the 1940 census page that includes my parents and me. The information for each person was one line on the form. It included basic things like place of birth, level of education and occupation. Yesterday I received this year's form, 27 pages of questions. It asks for detailed financial information including how much I paid for water and sewer service last year. Why is that important?

And, you have to give it to them or face a fine. Filling it out is mandatory. I thought the purpose of the census was to determine how many members of congress a state gets. Now, it seems big brother wants to know everything about us. On the other hand, it's probably redundant. They could pull it all out of their computers if they wanted to.

Don
 

Several years ago, I didn't understand that a census was required, so, naturally, when the form arrived, I tossed it. I generally don't reveal any information that would be useful to burglars or home-invasion robbers.
Later, a guy showed up on a bicycle & asked me similar questions. I told him I needed to call & verify who he was after he gave me his name. I also told him to leave while I did that, which he did. I contacted the census board again & said they could send him back, but they sent a different guy because they said the first guy was "too scared" to come back.
 

I haven't gotten one yet. I'm not crazy about filling out long forms but if I have to do it then I will. It sounds dreadful, though!(n)
 
The 2020 Census isn't being mail out until April 1st, so I'm confused as to why @Grandpa Don you received this years form already.
 
Gemma said:
The 2020 Census isn't being mail out until April 1st, so I'm confused as to why @Grandpa Don you received this years form already.
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Beats me. Technically, they are calling it the American Community Survey. But, it came from the U.S. Census Bureau. The enclosed letter says my address was chosen as part of a randomly selected sample. It also says I am required by law to respond.

Don
 
Grampa Don said:
Beats me. Technically, they are calling it the American Community Survey. But, it came from the U.S. Census Bureau. The enclosed letter says my address was chosen as part of a randomly selected sample. It also says I am required by law to respond.

Don
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Don, be careful. This sounds like a scam, to me.

I just read up on it. Go to their website. You can complete the survey online. They also have two numbers you can call to verify the survey is from them.
 
I agree with Gampa Don, they really don't need all that information.
Who you are, where you are, where you come from, are you working
and what is your nationality at birth should be enough.

The forms are probably designed by a statistician who needs to justify
his very large salary.

Mike.
 
Treeguy-- Thanks for the tip. I looked into it too, and it's legit. Here's a page that explains it pretty well.
"Each year, the U.S. Census Bureau randomly selects 3.5 million households across the country to complete the American Community Survey."
So, I guess they need the info, but it seems a bit much.

Don
 
Yikes! They sure are asking for a whole lot of information!
 

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