What to Do With Duplicate Census Forms

Millions of Americans have already received the new census form, filled it out, and returned the form to the census bureau. The hype is on in the mass media for citizens to return the census form. In fact, the government has rolled out a very elaborate advertising campaign to remind everyone to return their census forms promptly. This heavy advertising campaign surely cost tax payers . . . and yes. . . the government millions of dollars. And in a typical inefficient move the census bureau has also spent millions sending duplicate census forms to Americans. This move is going to cost American taxpayers additional millions.

Census Importance

Most citizens realize that the census form is very important to our communities. By filling out the new census form and returning them to the Census Bureau, citizens are providing the government with the necessary information that determines the number of representatives each state has to represent them in the U.S. Congress. Also, the census statistics help establish the amount of funding that communities receive.

Duplicate Census Forms

On or around April 1, was the date all census forms were to be returned to the census bureau. April 1 was also the date that millions of citizens received a duplicate census form in the mail. And recipients probably wondered if this was a joke. Well, it certainly was not. The census bureau is serious about getting all citizens to return their census form. According to the Washington Post, duplicate census forms were sent out to zip codes that had a less than 59 percent return in 2000. And government sources say it is not wasteful to send out these duplicate census forms in low response areas. After all, it is much less expensive than hiring more census workers to show up at your door! Also, according to the Washington Post, the census has never sent out duplicate census forms before. They decided to try this strategy to boost the usual low response rates.

What to Do With Duplicate Census Forms

The Washington Post reports that those who received a duplicate census form in the mail do not have to fill out the second form. Simply destroy the form. If the duplicate form is returned it probably will not be processed. The census bureau places a bar code on the census forms to insure that duplicate forms from the same address are not processed.

Only time will tell if the strategy to send out duplicate census forms was a success and boosted the usual return rates.

Sources/Links

Wtsp News

Washington Post