U.S. Census Bureau- American Community Survey

[L.Biebz<3]

Need some guidance.

Since Christmas break, I've been receiving notes on my door from a man who works with the U.S. Department of Commerce. I haven't been home when he stops by, but his notes urge me to contact him to make an appointment to answer some questions for an American Community Survey. He has been coming nearly every other day now and its starting to frustrate me. I honestly do not have time to contact him, nor do I even fully understand what his purpose is.

I received the letter below:


So obviously, its alarming to me that I am required by law to respond to something that I don't fully understand. I found some information from this source: How to Legally Refuse to Participate in the Census Survey | Truth is Treason that has me wondering if this ACS is entirely constitutional. Sure, I could go ahead and just answer questions, but like the link points out, the state and local governments already have my information, as does the federal government through my IRS forms. It just feels sketchy to respond to questions from some man who knocks at my door. And I feel like his efforts are fruitless, they scored a big one when they selected my apartment- broke college kid.

Has anyone else had experience directly with this ACS?

[itchywitch]

Just answer the survey. .

[GingerGirl15]

Are you saying you don't want to take it because you don't quite understand its purpose or yo just don't think you should be required to take it?

If it's the first reason, the survey is important for the country to be able to compile vital data about its population. It's the newer (unfortunately longer and more comprehensive) version of the 10 year census from my understanding. The information you give would be important even if you are only a broke college kid. It's a nuisance but I think worth filling out.

[His*PITA*]

While other areas of the government may have your information, its probably easier for them to go about it this way and/or they don't have access to that information.

[LadyCat]

I don't understand why you're making a big deal about this. They go more in depth in certain communities to help determine funding and such. I'd just answer the survey.

[DakotaCowgirl]

If you are uncomfortable, just go to the website (do a google search to ensure it is accurate) and do it there.

It isn't a big deal really. Just ask you a few questions to see how they can help the community.

[L.Biebz<3]

Are you saying you don't want to take it because you don't quite understand its purpose or yo just don't think you should be required to take it?

If it's the first reason, the survey is important for the country to be able to compile vital data about its population. It's the newer (unfortunately longer and more comprehensive) version of the 10 year census from my understanding. The information you give would be important even if you are only a broke college kid. It's a nuisance but I think worth filling out.

A little bit of both. It just doesn't strike me as normal, at least not the delivery of the survey. I don't see why some representative needs to come to my door to ask questions about the household when the information is already given in the census. Why not mail it out like the census itself? I've lived here since July and haven't received anything in the mail about this, so an actual person coming to my door just doesn't sit well with me since I live alone.

I asked my dad about this as well and he was also confused as to their method of survey taking. My dad has studied constitutional law and also seemed wary on the purpose/delivery of the survey.

I don't understand why you're making a big deal about this. They go more in depth in certain communities to help determine funding and such. I'd just answer the survey.

I'm making a big deal out of this? I'm asking if anyone has had any experience with this particular survey. Do you typically call numbers on business cards that are attached to your door?

[Tojai]

You said youre in college - does your school have any services to provide legal advice to students? Or if it has a law school you could see if anyone in that dept would be willing to provide advicr/more info.

[His*PITA*]

A little bit of both. It just doesn't strike me as normal, at least not the delivery of the survey. I don't see why some representative needs to come to my door to ask questions about the household when the information is already given in the census. Why not mail it out like the census itself? I've lived here since July and haven't received anything in the mail about this, so an actual person coming to my door just doesn't sit well with me since I live alone.

I asked my dad about this as well and he was also confused as to their method of survey taking. My dad has studied constitutional law and also seemed wary on the purpose/delivery of the survey.



I'm making a big deal out of this? I'm asking if anyone has had any experience with this particular survey. Do you typically call numbers on business cards that are attached to your door?

I'm not Cindy, but yes... If I was getting frequent notes on my door from a government agency, I would call...

[L.Biebz<3]

You said youre in college - does your school have any services to provide legal advice to students? Or if it has a law school you could see if anyone in that dept would be willing to provide advicr/more info.

Yes they do. I was thinking of either going to them, or contacting a city rep about it. I've called my apartment complex and they said they don't know of any other residents who have received notes on their door like this.