The Census Bureau knows it's polling a nation of leery people.
For three weeks, the bureau's representatives have been knocking on doors in preparation for the 2010 census. Workers have been met with more anxiety than information.
But there are several indicators that homeowners, renters, inhabitants or illegal immigrants can look for to ease their stress.
“We certainly have run into people being very, very cautious, and in some cases very, very skeptical, not only in this region but across the country in general, about even our legitimate workers that are out there,” said Muriel Jackson, regional media specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau. “We understand that; that's why we try to ease people's fears by letting them know exactly what's involved in the process.”
The process is designed to be quick and painless for both the poller and pollee.
A representative will inquire only about the address of the housing unit, and how many living quarters are on site at the housing unit. End of interaction.
Questions about banking, Social Security information or any other topic are not only off-limits, but unnecessary for census polling and should raise red flags for residents. Residents should call local law-enforcement immediately if they believe someone is pretending to represent the Census Bureau and asks for anything other than the basic questions.
For those debating whether to answer the door at all, the bureau urges citizens to look out for verification apparent on every representative.
All representatives from the Census Bureau wear an identification badge, and they are required to have it in plain view. If it's not, ask to see it, Jackson says. The bureau will not allow the media to publish the exact badge for fear of duplication.
A representative also will always be carrying a hand-held computer he or she will use to enter polling information.
Again, if a visitor seems suspicious and cannot produce proper identification, call local law enforcement or the Census Bureau.
Local representatives began canvassing the region the third week of April, and the bureau projects the process will take four to six weeks.
Thanks to the economy, however, the bureau has been overrun with workers, Jackson said. Many representatives have taken the minimum 20-hour work week and increased it to 40 hours, meaning the work is getting done much quicker.
With 145 million addresses nationwide to visit and 140,000 representatives to do the door knocking before mid-July, the assertiveness is welcomed.
Workers are assigned a designated area to canvass, and will work a variety of hours. To assure quality control, Jackson said representatives will re-canvass to reach every home.
So expect a knock at the door, and take whatever steps are necessary to be sure the visitor is official.
