Font Size

Advertising

Dallas / Fort Worth Local News

Some Say Census Questionnaire Getting Too Personal

Reporting
Carol Cavazos

NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: KTVT / KTXA

Close

numSlides of totalImages

Related Links

New 2010 U.S. Census Questions

The American Community Survey is a questionnaire that was recently sent out by the federal government. Three million Americans were asked to complete the information.

The questionnaire is much more detailed than the regular census, leaving some North Texans wondering if 'Big Brother' is acting more like a nosey neighbor.

The American Community Survey is sent to random households every year. The information updates the census, which is given every 10 years.

But some people say the yearly survey is getting too personal. A Richardson resident, who didn't want to be identified, just received the survey. She says it not only wants to know if she's been married, but how many times!

The questionnaire also wants answers about where she works, how much money she makes, and what time she leaves for work each day – the hour and minute! "I thought it was intrusive. I don't have a high regard for the federal government collecting this information anyway," the woman told CBS 11 News. "You don't know what they're going to do with it."

Officials with the Census Bureau say the data is needed so the government will know where to build things like roads and schools.

"Why do they need to know this? They don't, in my opinion," the woman said, before further stating that she thinks the personal questions are un-American. "Do they really need to know if we have a mortgage and whether this house is free and clear? That's intrusive."

Don't think you can just chuck the survey or skip questions. The Census Bureau says they'll call, and call, and call, visit you or finally fine you. The government wants answers.

But the Richardson resident is hoping more people are offended by the questionnaire. "If enough people are outraged then somebody will rethink this and decide it really is too intrusive," she said.

Read the questions planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey.

Add Comment

here. here. Need a log in? Register here

Your Name
Your E-Mail * Will not be displayed with comment
Suggest Link * e.g. (http://www.mywebsite.com)
Your Comment

Type the characters in this picture:*

Click here to refresh with new letters

Show Comments (1)

Close Window Login

Password:

Forgot Password | Register Here

Close Window Flag Comment

You are flagging the following comment:

Username:
E-mail:
Reason:

Type the characters in this picture:*

Click here to refresh with new letters

You need the latest Flash player to view video content.
Click here to download.

Click here to bypass this detection if you already have the latest Flash Player.