Due to a printing error, many address labels on census forms were wrong. The mailings had correct bar codes, but incorrectly included an extra digit at the beginning of the street number for each address. The U.S. Postal Service was able to deliver the mailing, in spite of the incorrect addresses, because the bar codes correctly allowed sequential order sorting by postal carrier route. Complaints aside, it is important that every one of the estimated 274 million Americans complete their census forms and return them by the April 1 deadline. More accurate and comprehensive measures could have been used to ensure the public's confidence in the process and the results.
Credibility has to be earned.
At first blush, this year's census hasn't earned it.