The census testing going on right now in Spartanburg County is making history.
That’s because for the first time ever the federal government is testing the use of postal workers to gather census data from people who fail to fill out the form, and that is sparking concerns about confidentiality among some policy makers.
WHY SPARTANBURG?
For the first time in American history, mail carriers are part of a unique test that could impact the nation, and right now it’s only happening in Spartanburg, South Carolina. That’s because Spartanburg is the only place where USPS letter carriers are being asked to collect your information.
The Census Bureau says the Spartanburg area was chosen as a testing site because it provides a practical mix of urban and rural geography, historically lower response rates, and complex or hidden housing units.
If you live anywhere within the boundaries of this map, you must, by law, fill out a Census form online before August 31.
Many who have already filled out the online form told 7NEWS there are very personal questions on topics ranging from employment, to income, citizenship and living arrangements.
LETTER CARRIERS AS CENSUS WORKERS?
The instructions were mailed earlier this summer, but it’s not the USPS delivery of this mid-decade Census testing information that’s noteworthy. What is new is that letter carriers have been asked to knock on the doors of anyone who fails to fill out the Census and gather their data.
“I think it’s good, I mean USPS is part of our US government’s arm, it’s what actually helps government communicate,” said Kay Bagwell in Spartanburg.
Still, Pamela Mitchell in Spartanburg told 7NEWS she made sure to fill out her form so that a postal worker would not have to collect her private information.
“I thought it was a little strange,” she said.
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