2010 Census: Questions and Scams

Sometime soon you will be receiving the census form in the mail. The form only has ten questions, which I am surprised about. It doesn't appear to me that the census will have much information to share for our descendants when the time comes. Maybe though, there will be the "A, B, C'S" that follow each of the questions. For instance: 1._______ with an a. _____ b. ______c._____ and then 2.________ with an a._________b._______ c.________Well, you get the idea. I seriously doubt there will be questions listed this way, but one can only hope, right? I want to leave as much information in the census as possible! My descendants deserve that, don't you agree?

I am looking forward to seeing the questionnaire, this will be the first questionnaire I will be filling out since I became seriously involved with genealogy. I am curious what those ten questions will be. Here is my guess, not in any particular order:

1. Name?
2. Age?
3. Married?
4. Children?
5. Working/school/Retired?
6. Own home?
7. Race?
8. Where you were born?
9. Your Address?
10. Where your parents were born?

These are the first thoughts that popped in my head and I am leaving them as my choices without thinking in depth about it. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Other ideas?

I plan to make a copy of our census after we fill it out, as I have heard others are planning to do also. Have you thought to do this? Have you thought to have your siblings and children and parents and cousins do this for you also? I have spoken with one of my daughters about it and asked her to make a copy of their form for me, but I need to let my other daughter and relatives know to do this also. How nice would it be to have a copy of this census in the files long before they ever release it? How long will it have to stay under wraps before they release if they even release it? There are laws changing and trying to change right now, so what will the laws be later on, after we are gone?

It is a shame that we have to worry these days whether or not a census taker (who may come to your door looking for paperwork that hasn't been sent in) is a legit census taker. There is so much crime in the world today, it seems we need to be careful and aware of everything around us. So, on that note, if you haven't already read the information regarding what to look for in a real census taker vs. a phony, you can read an article on the census takers scam over at Eastman's site here. This just may be an article you want to share with someone in particular. My children will see a copy, because I don't want them to take any chances. Knowing my children as I do though, their forms will be turned in within a decent time frame, so I shouldn't be concerned. However, better be safe than sorry!

Now, I am off to send emails regarding all of this to my family members. How about you?

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!


Comments

  1. I was surprised to have a census worker at my door this week - delivering the form. The questions aren't what I expected and I've posted them on my blog.

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  2. Hi Cheryl - you can see what the 10 questions on the census form are here:

    http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php

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  3. How funny, I had the same idea! (http://dream-of-genea.blogspot.com/2010/02/2010-census-idea.html)

    Not sure how receptive families would be to this though. You can see the questionnaire here: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php

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  4. Wow! I hadn't looked for and was unaware that you could see the questions on the form anywhere. I did look at your post and am surprised. I totally agree, we need to send additional information with the form! Thanks Cindy for sharing and commenting!

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  5. Thank you Amanda for sharing the website with the questions! I had not looked for them online and was sharing my thoughts. Appreciate the assistance!

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  6. Hi Abba-Dad,

    I read your post! We had very similar thoughts regarding the census, and I hadn't seen your post. I appreciate that some people may not like us having possession of copies of the censuses, and if I hear that being an issue, I will post it here. I do not think my family will have a problem with this, but I do feel these copies should be taken care of in a special way, to assure the privacy issues are protected, much like birth certificates, etc. Thank you for leading me to your post and commenting! (Great minds think alike!) :-)

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  7. I made a copy of our census form in 2000 and Mom did the same. We plan on doing the same for 2010 but it hadn't occurred to me to try and get other extended family members to do it to.

    Maybe I can get some of them to humor me and make a copy.....

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  8. Michelle, I love it! I hope they all humor you. I would love to find out!

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