Census time!

[Candlelight]

In two weeks New Zealand is doing it's 5-yearly census.

I wonder what religion I'll put down this year. Jedi? Anla'shok? ...Lords of Kobol?

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

 

[RoJoHen]

As much as I might want to fill out the US census, I move around so much that my information would be invalid within a few months of sending it in.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

I thought the point about censuses is that they're supposed to be a snapshot of a country on a particular day. In the UK, at least, that's the case.

 

[Holdfast]

As much as I might want to fill out the US census, I move around so much that my information would be invalid within a few months of sending it in.

Can you opt not to complete it?

The UK census is due soon. We don't have a choice about completing it; it's a legal requirement. Fortunately I understand that this time round we can complete it online, and it's supposed to be a shorter than last time too, so it's shouldn't take more than 10 minutes or so to do. Still reckon it would only be fair for me to be able to bill them for the time taken.

It's not as if they don't already have all the information they're asking; it's just that none of their systems can share the data in the manner required.

 

[RoJoHen]

As much as I might want to fill out the US census, I move around so much that my information would be invalid within a few months of sending it in.

Can you opt not to complete it?

Well, yeah, when it comes in the mail, you just ignore it. It's worked so far!

 

[Holdfast]

As much as I might want to fill out the US census, I move around so much that my information would be invalid within a few months of sending it in.

Can you opt not to complete it?

Well, yeah, when it comes in the mail, you just ignore it. It's worked so far!

You don't get fined? I think there's a 1k or something like that fine if you don't complete it. Obviously, they have to actually find you in order to fine you, so I guess if you move around a lot, you can get away with it.

 

[RoJoHen]

I've never heard of anybody getting fined, but I really have no idea.

 

[cultcross]

It's not as if they don't already have all the information they're asking; it's just that none of their systems can share the data in the manner required.

Actually, they've created Data Protection laws so bizarre that it's perfectly legitimate for your phone company to sell your details to advertisers nationwide, but HMRC can't tell the ONS what you earn, and you have to fill it out again yourself. On a mandatory form.

 

[Canadave]

At least you folks have proper censuses. Here in Canada, our bloody stupid Tory government decided to make the long-form census voluntary.

 

[WillsBabe]

In two weeks New Zealand is doing it's 5-yearly census.

I wonder what religion I'll put down this year. Jedi? Anla'shok? ...Lords of Kobol?

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

Seriously? Best OP and response in .... forever!

I hate doing the Census. Ours is due next month.

 

[Candlelight]

The one really REALLY sad thing is we had a major Earthquake yesterday. Much of Christchurch, our third largest city with a population of 350,000, has been devastated.

I think the census will have to be postponed. There is no way they'll be able to take an accurate snapshot, nor will people directly involved be able or willing to fill out a census.

 

[Candlelight]

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

Nah, Jedi is so last year. Need a new one.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

When the census taker comes, do NOT eat their liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

 

[Holdfast]

When the census taker comes, do NOT eat their liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

Agreed. I'm a purist, so prefer a big Amarone.

 

[Avalon]

Candlelight, I'm so sorry to hear about the earthquake! I hope everyone recovers swiftly.

As much as I might want to fill out the US census, I move around so much that my information would be invalid within a few months of sending it in.

I thought the point about censuses is that they're supposed to be a snapshot of a country on a particular day. In the UK, at least, that's the case.

RoJo -- Asbo's correct. It's meant to be a snapshot of one particular day. (And it is required by law.)
The questions were simple -- name, birthdate, gender, uhh, can't remember the rest, but I think there were generally three or four other items. Since the U.S. Census is only done every ten years, and we just did one this past summer, I guess you're safe for now. But please do fill out the questionnaire in 2020, okay?

There is a survey done every year (called the American Community Survey) that is easily confused with the Census, but it's not required to participate in it if you're chosen. (It is a good idea to do so, though, because it helps decide where federal funding goes, community-wise).