Finding updated Census data

[vince-br-549]

Where can I download an update to the census data that you have.
I'm on chapter six and I used chatgpt to help me generate some queries against the Ohio registered voters database that I have. Great book. I have been using PostgreSQL for years. I didn't see an index on normalizing.

[anthonydb]

@vince-br-549
The book uses various Census products. In chapter 5, we import population data for counties that I collected from the Census population estimates program:

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html

This is the most recent version:

https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html

Elsewhere, we use American Community Survey data, which is slightly more complicated to collect. But you can find it at https://data.census.gov/

[vince-br-549]

A friend told me about Ohio registered voters database. I have been putting it on my web page ( la.planetvince.com)
since I have been working at the polls since 2023.
One can look up all the information on registered voters on your street. On a whim I wondered if VIVEK RAMASWAMY was listed. Yup. Enter street as SQUIRREL BND and county as FRANKLIN.
I've tried to find other states registered voter databases with no luck. California wants $100. I'm from South Dakota, I can't find it.
I've learned a lot from your book, I'm on chapter 9 atm. Have added enhancements to the output to give commas for large numbers and add the percent sign to end of percentages. Fun.

[anthonydb]

Some states require you to file a public records (FOIA) request to obtain voter data. Rules allowing public access vary:

https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/access-to-and-use-of-voter-registration-lists

Thanks for reading and glad you're getting some good use from the book!