Don’t fail to be counted

This Thursday, April 1, is Census Day in America.

We urge you to fill out the census form and return it.

Every 10 years, there are those who grumble about having to fill out the form, but it has been part of American life from the start. A census every decade is called for in the U.S. Constitution. Authorizing the first census in 1790 was one of the first acts of U.S. Congress in 1789.

This year’s form is a simple one that won’t take long to fill out. But it is important, and not just because it’s the law. Having an accurate count of the local population benefits the community in many ways.

An area’s representation in Congress and state legislatures is based on population. So are county political districts. After each census, new district lines are drawn, with areas gaining or losing political clout due to their latest population figures.

Much government aid and many grants for local communities are also based on population. So, being counted is a way of making sure Morgan County has a chance at getting its fair share of government programs.

Seems that many people who get their mail through post office boxes have not gotten census forms because they have no street address on record.

If you haven’t received a form, copies are available at the library and senior center in Berkeley Springs, and at the library in Paw Paw. Starting in May, census takers will also be going around to homes that didn’t return forms. If you don’t want that visit, get your form in.
Stand up and be counted. It’s the right thing to do.