Census considers rewards for data

Doing your civic duty would literally pay off if the Commerce Department and Congress decide to dangle prizes to get people to answer Census questionnaires in 2010.

The Census Bureau is looking at ways to increase responses, including the use of prizes as an incentive, says spokesman Stephen Buckner.

It's not the first time the idea has come up. The Census Bureau explored launching sweepstakes in the 1990s. It rejected the plan partly because of concern that it would cheapen the national population count mandated by the Constitution every 10 years. It's not clear if using budget money to fund prizes is even legal.

Nevertheless, the concept is resurfacing for the 2010 Census because of concerns that the response rate may be hurt by mounting fear and suspicion of government, says Census historian Margo Anderson. More communities are cracking down on immigrants here illegally and the war on terrorism has prompted surveillance measures, including wiretapping.

USA Today

International committee urged to scrutinize U.S. Census practices that dilute vote of minority populations

The United States Census practice of counting prisoners in their districts of incarceration rather than their home districts for the purpose of establishing electoral and Congressional representation is a violation of international treaty.