The census is much more than counting heads

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published October 29, 2009

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The U.S. Census Bureau faces some unique challenges next year when it tackles the 2010 Census.

Every 10 years, the federal government calls on residents of this country to voluntarily fill out a questionnaire form – 10 questions about number of household members, age, race, sex and other data that should take about 10 minutes to complete.

But experience shows that only about two out of every three households in the country fill out the form without some prodding from Census workers, who go door to door to complete the project.

This year, the number of households failing to fill out the forms and mail them in is expected to increase for several reasons. They include:

• This is the first Census since 9/11. The terrorist attacks led to increased government surveillance powers through passage of the USA Patriot Act, which, in turn, sparked greater concerns about the privacy rights of individuals and groups.

• Identity theft is a greater problem across the nation today than it was 10 years ago during the last Census, making people more reluctant to share personal data with anyone.

This despite the fact that Census workers must take an oath of nondisclosure. Failure to obey it is a crime punishable by a fine up to $250,000, five years in prison or both.

And remember: The information gathered is used to generate statistics, not spy on people. In fact, Census data cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

• Fewer of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country are expected to participate due to increased crackdowns on illegal immigrants at the border and in the workplace.

• Natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and an increase in home foreclosures and homelessnesss caused by the economic recession will make it harder to locate people. Millions of Census forms could end up being sent to empty homes.

The harder the U.S. Census Bureau has to work to complete the Census, the more it costs taxpayers. Consider this: It costs the federal government $80 million or more for every 1 percent of households that Census workers must canvass to complete the task. If 3 percent fewer households participate willingly, the Census bill will be roughly $250 million more than it was 10 years ago.

Population growth and new housing also add to the cost. There are an estimated 25 million more people and 15 million additional dwellings in the United States, compared to 10 years ago.

Beginning in January, the U.S. Census Bureau will roll out an $140 million advertising campaign targeting specific demographic groups with the highest predicted nonparticipation rates.

The bureau will try to remind non-English speaking populations, those cynical of government programs, residents in remote areas and those unfamiliar with how the Census benefits citizens that participation isn’t just important — it’s mandatory.

There are a number of ways Census data is used that influence our daily and national lives. For instance.

• Census data will be used to distribute some $400 billion in federal funds annually to communities to build hospitals, schools, bridges, support emergency services and staff job training centers.

• Data collected in the Census, which begins April 1 next year, helps determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Information on the age of U.S. residents helps shape entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare.

• Census data is used by a variety of public and private interests to advocate for cause, conduct market research, locate pools of skilled workers and more.

The Census requirements are spelled out in Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. While some of the questions have changed over time, the Census is as old as our country.

When Census time rolls around, do your part and participate.