Census 2010: Sure, the city's wrong on your form -- but trust us

As the 2010 Census gears up (and the U.S. Census Bureau looks to hire takers who have what it takes), technical questions are sure to come up -- like, for example, should prisoners on the eastern plains by counted as rural residents or urban visitors. Still, it's a little disturbing...

By Michael Roberts

March 16, 2010

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As the 2010 Census gears up (and the U.S. Census Bureau looks to hire takers who have what it takes), technical questions are sure to come up -- like, for example, should prisoners on the eastern plains by counted as rural residents or urban visitors. Still, it's a little disturbing when a census spokeswoman says we shouldn't worry if we get forms that have the wrong city stamped on them.

That's the line media specialist Deborah Cameron shared with the Greeley Tribune after some Greeley residents received documents saying they actually live in Evans. She says the mailings have a bar code that contains the correct information even if the name of the city is wrong, so recipients shouldn't worry that they'll count as part of some other community's population.

Of course, the same bureau that's telling folks to have faith in the bar code botched the name of the city. But it couldn't screw up twice on the same envelope, could it? Don't answer that question...

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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