1990 Voting Districts - What do the asterisks represent?

NHGIS
1

Hello,
I downloaded the 1990 Voting Districts file and am looking specifically at Rhode Island data. I’m curious what the asterisks represent in the “Name” field.

Thanks!
Jess

2

Dear Jess,

I actually don’t know what the asterisks represent in the 1990 VTD data. I can direct you to two possible sources that may explain them:

1990 census technical documentation

Geographic Area Reference Manual - Voting District chapter

The 1990 census was the first to include nationwide coverage of census blocks and voting districts, so the VTDs in 1990 were a new product at that time. It’s possible that the asterisks may be a result of it being a new product and potentially having some quality issues.

Sincerely,
Dave Van Riper