Day 2 of the census citizenship trial is at a break. On the stand this morning is Joseph Salvo, NYC’s Chief demographer. He hit over and over again how much more accurate census data is if people self respond versus if census enumerators follow up
He showed data showing how the accuracy of responses dropped significantly when people don’t respond on their own
Salvo also told a story to highlight the severe consequences of bad census data.
After the 2010 census, the bureau estimated massive increases in vacant housing in some of the most in demand areas of NYC -- places like Astoria, Bay Ridge, Jackson Heights
After the 2010 census, the bureau estimated massive increases in vacant housing in some of the most in demand areas of NYC -- places like Astoria, Bay Ridge, Jackson Heights
That was stunning to Salvo. When he went and looked at the data, he realized that there was a problem with the data quality. There were several examples where enumerators couldn't agree if a unit was vacant or not. And that's something that can be really difficult to figure out
If the Census Bureau follows up enough times and can't get a hold of someone, they use proxies, including landlords. Salvo showed that proxies are a really, really unreliable way to get accurate data about who is living in a household
In NYC, it can be especially difficult because landlords might have over occupied or illegal units and don't want to share that with census workers. Salvo said he is concerned that the census bureau is planning to rely even more on proxies in 2020 than it did in 2010
The Department of Commerce says that adding the citizenship question won't depress turnout because even if people don't self-respond to the survey, they're increasing efforts to follow up. Salvo's testimony showed how follow up can compromise the integrity of census data
Had to leave court before the government got a chance to question Salvo, but you should follow @hansilowang who is there
