“Counting Every Person: 2010 Census”
June 16, 2009: Every 10 years since 1790, the US Census Bureau counts each individual in the United States. This amazing track record will continue to be intact at this upcoming census because of the efforts and assistance of people such as Terry Seabrook, Partnership Specialist of the Charlotte Regional Census Center. She shared with us the reasons why it’s important for full and accurate count and some interesting insights as to how that count is done. The census counts not only every citizen but all individuals that are in the United States with they are here legally or not.
In introducing our speaker, Alison Standard shared that Terry was not only an extremely competent individual but also a well-respected member of the community for many years and will be a very valuable asset to our “be counted in 2010” effort. This effort is very important for South Carolina as we fare worse only by Alaska in terms of responding to the Census. According to Seabrook “we can’t even take pride in beating Mississippi”.
Seabrook explained that there’s been a process of geo mapping each home (or potential residence) combining sophisticated mapping technology and GPS systems. Before the census is mailed out, the objective is to know all potential residences in South Carolina. A great deal of effort is being expended to be sure that have been identified so they receive the mail in form. When asked if online surveying and would be more accurate, Seabrook responded, indicating that there are many people that don’t have online capability or are not technologically savvy enough to accomplish a survey. The old-school, proven paper by direct mail is most accurate way to ensure everyone’s counted. Technology is helping the census. Each form mailed out is being geo-coded to match the survey of residences. If a completed census not returned in the mail by the deadline a census taker will use the geo-coded information to visit the home up to six times to obtain a manual count.
While many people may want to avoid returning the census because they’re worried that the information you provide will not be confidential. They don’t have to worry. The individual census can’t be seen by anyone for 72 years. If anybody violates confidentiality they can receive up to five years in prison and $250,000 fine. This effort is necessary, according to Seabrook because it affects many things that are important to us. First, it affects the apportionment of approximately $308 billion from the federal government. In addition to money, it affects political power. The information from the census is used for redistricting of Congress and also for redistricting state and local governments throughout the country. In addition, this information is extremely useful for all types of organizations including businesses for market research and planning.
To learn more about the US Census, and it’s 10 quick and easy confidential questions go to www.census.gov. Census Day is April 1, 2010.
Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee