The U.S. Census will be conducted April 1^st this year. The results of the Census will have an impact on communities and services in Southern Illinois for the next ten years. In March, every household will receive a Census questionnaire in the mail.

The first census took place in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census also was created to gain a better understanding of where people lived and to establish patterns of settlement as the nation grew.

The Census only asks ten questions this year. It is one of the shortest questionnaires ever and should take about ten minutes to complete and return. The Census questions are very basic, including your name, the number and relationship of each person living with you, ages, race, and whether you own or rent your home. The Census asks for your phone number in case they need clarification of your answers.

There are many reasons to return your completed Census questionnaire. The U.S. Constitution requires a Census every ten years in order to ensure that each state has proper representation in Congress. The federal and state governments use the Census to determine new boundaries for legislative districts. Federal and state agencies use the Census to award funding.

Agencies use the demographics from the Census questionnaire to help plan how and where to provide services. For example, one question asks if a person living with you is a grandchild. This is important because our agency obtains funding to help grandparents raise their grandchildren.

If you don’t complete and return your questionnaire, you can expect to receive a telephone call or visit from a Census taker. The Census Bureau wants everyone to be counted.

Under the penalty of law, the U.S. Census Bureau and its employees must keep all individual information confidential. The Census Bureau isn’t even allowed to give your information to other government agencies.

If you are 60 or older and need assistance with your Census questionnaire, call your local senior center or call my office by using the link below.

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