LETTER: Too much is at stake not to be counted in Census

From Steven Renderos
Main Street Project
Next month, as the nation’s decennial headcount gets under way, Minnesotans will begin receiving questionnaires from the Census Bureau: 10 questions that will determine how much in federal funds and how many U.S. House seats the state will be assigned.

Although a complete count of people living within U.S. borders is constitutionally mandated each decade and participation is required by law, thousands of Minnesotans are nonetheless missed — some because they choose to be. Citing fear of government and disinterest overall as their top reasons why, as many as one in five nationwide plan not to fill out the form this year.

Significant undercounting of Minnesota’s population occurred in the last two censuses. In 1990 about 20,000 state residents were overlooked; 10 years later more than 14,000 were missed.

During a time of budget shortfalls and with a congressional district on the line, Minnesota can’t afford less than a full count: For every 100 people who go uncounted this year, the state will lose more than $1 million over the coming decade.

“It’s important that everyone be counted because of what it means for our communities,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. “Funding for roads, schools, hospitals and even job-training programs are tied to the Census. If everyone doesn’t participate we will end up shortchanged.”

But more than just federal money is on the line.

Estimates are that an undercount of as few as 2,000 people in a state of 5 million-plus could make the difference in whether Minnesota retains its eight congressional districts, the number it’s held since 1960.

“Our nation was founded on the idea of representative government,” Ritchie said. “If Minnesota loses one of its congressional seats because of undercounting it will dilute our voice for at least the next 10 years.”

To boost participation among groups most likely to go uncounted, Main Street Project produced Census guides answering questions and addressing concerns that can get in the way of participation. The free guide — in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong — is available for download at www.mainstreetproject.org.

Steven Renderos is media justice organizer with Main Street Project, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit providing rural and urban residents the tools they need to more fully participate in all aspects of community life.