Diary of a census resister

A post from a resister to the 2000 census. The government already knows where you live, where you work and where you shop. They know how many people live in your home. So why are they asking all these questions?

May 19, 2000 — morning
I am a census resister. I received my form in early April, and I have not filled it out or returned it. I believe the form I received (D-1) was the short form.

Since that time the census enumerator has been to my home three times and left a "Notice of Visit." Apparently I was not home on any of those occasions.

The last two were on consecutive days.

The Notice informs me that the enumerator stopped by and that I can provide the information over the phone. It also assures me that my privacy is protected by law and reminds me that it is important that everyone be counted.

The enumerator leaves a name and a telephone number as well as times when it is convenient for him (or her — I can't tell from the name) to take calls. Once it was 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; another time it was 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

I will update my account as events occur. [continue...]