Part B - November Supporting Statement

2

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

November Voting and Registration Supplement

OMB Control Number 0607 - 0466

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

We conduct the November Voting and Registration Supplement in conjunction with the CPS, for which the universe is 118 million households. From this universe, we select a sample of approximately 72,000 households each month, of which approximately 60,000 households are eligible for interview.

We actually interview about 55,000 households each month as part of the Basic CPS. We ask the items in the Voting and Registration supplement, as appropriate, for members of these households, resulting in 52,000 completed supplement interviews. Those eligible for the voting and registration questions include all civilian household members age 18 and up who are U.S. citizens. Based on previous response rates for similar questions, we expect the supplement response rate to be approximately 91 percent.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

The Voting and Registration supplement is a supplemental survey associated with the CPS in November 2016. Attachment D gives an overview of the CPS sample design and weighting methodology and response rates. The statistical properties of these supplemental items will fall within those associated with the CPS itself.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

We maintain response rates and data accuracy for the CPS at high levels through computer edits, interviewer instruction and training, and close monitoring of these data. (Refer to Section 3 of Attachment D for a discussion of the CPS nonresponse.) Some amount of allocation for item nonresponse is done within the November supplement for eligible people.

4. Testing of Procedures

We do not require testing of procedures and methods given that we have conducted the November Voting and Registration Supplement since 1964. Attachment E discusses the reliability of estimates produced by the November 2014 supplement.

5. Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

The following individuals may be contacted on the statistical data collection and analysis operations:

Statistical Design

Yang Cheng

Demographic Statistical Methods Division

U.S. Census Bureau

(301) 763-5874

Statistical Analysis

Kurt Bauman

Social Economic and Housing Statistics Division

U.S. Census Bureau

(301) 763-6171

Data Collection/Survey Design

Lisa Clement

Associate Directorate of Demographic Programs – Survey Operations

U.S. Census Bureau

(301) 763-5482

Attachments

A. November 2016 Voting and Registration Supplement Questionnaire

B. CPS Advance Letter

C. “The U.S. Census Bureau Respects Your Privacy and Protects Your Personal Information” Brochure

D. Overview of CPS Sample Design and Methodology

E. Source of the Data and Accuracy of the Estimates