And what happened to an Americans right to privacy in not giving out personal information? Its not a huge deal, however the survey is long and takes over 20 minutes to fill out... not only am I getting letters but they call 6 times a day! This just seems nuts!
2007-12-24 07:37:38 · 15 answers · asked by melp1010 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Under Title 13, Section 221, of the Census Code, "refusal or willful neglect" to answer any questions to the best of one's knowledge carries a fine of not more than $100.
For giving a false answer the maximum fine is $500.
Finally, the penalty for refusing to permit a census taker onto the premises is a maximum $1,000 fine and up to a year in prison.
Richard
2007-12-24 08:54:24 · answer #1 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK, the US Constitution requires the government to take a census every 10 years. The government has no choice.
The government uses the date to determine a number of major things, such as the number or representatives from a state, how federal dollars are divvied up between states.
You have been chosen to do the "long form" questionnaire (there is not enough time for everyone to do the long form and collect the data so they do "samples"). The government uses the data from the long form to extrapolate over all populations. It is also used to alter/change/confirm government policy.
The identity of persons who fill out the census (and their family members) isn't disclosed to the public until after death. I think, but not positive, the latest census for which you can get the names of the households is the 1870 (yes, 1870) census.
Fill it out, mail it & get them off your back.
** Note: This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. **
2007-12-24 07:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by scottclear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a Federal offense not to. 13 USC 221 provides for up to a $100 fine, plus it will give you a Federal criminal record as it is a crime, not a civil violation. In addition, that information is needed to allocate funds for programs, you would be hurting your state, because if people aren't counted, it will get less than its fair share.
As for privacy, if someone in the government violates your privacy, or misuses your personal information it is a Federal felony (5 years and/or $250K fine) - they are under a lifetime non-disclosure oath.
Just do your part and be a good citizen! You probably wasted more than 20 minutes with the phone calls and the question here!
If you are worried about identity theft or have other concerns, contact the census bureau directly. Here is the URL for contact information: http://www.census.gov/field/www/
2007-12-24 07:51:08 · answer #3 · answered by Frank L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The U.S. census is no longer the every-ten-years thing. Instead they have instituted a continuous "rolling" census. Google "U.S. Census" to find out.
Yes, the census people are irritating. Just fill out the questionaire, mail it back and tell the census guy to get lost.
2007-12-24 08:11:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To the best of my knowledge, this is not a census year. Take this form to the local police department or an attorney for verification. If it is a fake, they will inform you of what to do. An attorney will know the penalties for non-compliance as well. Basically, you need to be sure this is a real census form. If it is, fill it out. Breaking federal law WILL cause you problems, no matter how light the punishment.
2007-12-24 07:44:39 · answer #5 · answered by BDOLE 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The government doesn't do "random" census.
The census is held every 10 years - on years ending in zero - and everyone is sent a form to complete or is visited by a census taker.
You are being scammed.
Don't take any phone calls from them and don't give them ANY information.
This same scam was shut down a coupla years ago. Read here:
http://pueblo.gsa.gov/scams/sc6397.htm
2007-12-24 08:03:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
First, if they didn't send it certified mail, you can just say you never received it, and there's nothing they can do to prove you are lying. Second, I don't think the government would harrass you to fill out a census form.
Next time they call, ask them for their full name, department they work for, and the contact information of their supervisor. If they won't give you this information, it's a scam.
2007-12-24 07:50:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
The constitution mandates census. This new one you got, the American Community Survey, is intended to replace the 10-year census: http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/censusandstatistics/a/newcensus.htm
Refusal to answer = $100 fine, false answers = $500 fine
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+13USC221
2007-12-24 07:45:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
the census is normally done once every ten years. I was an area coordinator in 1990. Not doing a census is publishable by a fine of 10,000 dollars and, or up to two years in prison.
2007-12-24 07:42:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Sounds like a scam. Call the Census Bureau and ask them whether it is not required by law to answer questions. Never used to be.
2007-12-24 08:03:26 · answer #10 · answered by ToYou,Too! 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋