Will You Do Your Part For The Census This Year?
By irishmist
@irishmist (3814)
United States
March 22, 2010 5:36pm CST
I just got mine in the mail today, and it would have been so easy to toss it in the trash, but after reading why I should fill it out, I decided to do it, and it only took a few minutes. Plus they give you a no postage envelope to send it back in.
The census results are used to decide the number of representatives each state has in the US Congress. Also the amount of government money your neighborhood receives also depends on these answers. The money is used for services for children and the elderly, roads, and many other local needs.
I remember back in the day when census takers would go door to door. I also found it interesting while doing history research about my city, I had come across many census that were taken back in the day, though they were a bit different than today, as they asked more questions.
So anyway if you get one in the mail, will you fill it out or throw it in the trash?
2 people like this
12 responses
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
22 Mar 10
My husband and I filled out our census last week and mailed it in. I know that if one does not fill it out and mail it by April they will have census takers come door to door. I think it is great that the money will go to help with roads, local needs and for the children. All of these things are important. It was really easy to do and quick to fill out.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
22 Mar 10
Yes, I already filled it out and sent it back. I think it is a good idea to do so. In that way the country knows where to help and give out statistics about a city.
I know that I would like to know the population and races of people before I would consider moving.
But, you know, a lot of folks won't fill it out. They think that it isn't any of the governments business who and how many live in their house.
Oh well.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72289)
• United States
23 Mar 10
I always thought that filling out the paper for a census s mandatory but now I realize it is not. Last week I got the paper from a woman who delivered it and I filled it out that day. I have forgot to take it to the post office though so it is still sitting on my desk. I remember it said that it had to be in by April 1st so I still have time to get it to the post office. I received a note yesterday asking me to remember to fill it out and mail it so I guess people who havent turned it in need a reminder.
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
23 Mar 10
i already filled mine out and just mailed it back yesterday. if it can help with something in some way then it is no problem. it was really quick and easy and they pay the postage so i do not see what the big deal is.
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
22 Mar 10
I hear you. I think many people won't even open the envelope and just throw it away because they can't be bothered to take the time to fill it out.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
23 Mar 10
I filled it out and sent it in the next days mail. They do still go door to door if you do not mail it in. It is also the law that you must give up the info. It is also in our Constitution.
according to
http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_cens.html
In Article 1, Section 2, the Constitution includes the phrase:
[An] Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.
Congress first met in 1789, and the first national census was held in 1790.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Mar 10
Do you know this is the very first census ever mailed to my place? I can never ever remember any census taker coming here nor getting anything in the mail to fill out in all the years I've been here. But yes I filled it out and mailed it off already
@bwaybaby (903)
• United States
23 Mar 10
The few politicians who argue against taking the census are really hurting themselves. Their district will change if their constitutients don't fill them out.
Census workers still sometimes go door to door, especially if they don't get a response at a location where they think people live.
The census is also quite good for recording history. It has helped me when looking up my ancestors.
@jenrose930 (119)
• United States
23 Mar 10
I will for sure fill it out. The census is an instrumental part in how this country is run. The amount of representatives for each state in the House depends on population amounts, and demographics play a large role in federal funding.
