With anti-government sentiment growing among conservatives across the country, there is worry they may refuse to take part in the 2010 census. In doing so they risk losing congressional representation, which is assigned strictly by population. It’s something Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) understands all too well. Based on the 2000 Census, Utah missed picking up an additional seat on Capitol Hill by a count of roughly 800 people. “We’ve got to fill out the forms if we want to be represented,” warns Chaffetz. He also understands why some are hesitant to take part. “I have been one of the more critical people of the census, but it is one of the things that’s outlined in the Constitution,” Chaffetz says. Though he finds the process has flaws, Chaffetz urges conservatives to take part and adds, “We can work to improve the census later.”
Census Bureau Director Robert Groves has seen the hesitation as well. “I haven’t met many people who like to fill out forms,” Groves acknowledges. He also understands that the current political climate may impact participation. “There are folks who believe that the federal government is too big, that federal spending is out of control,” Groves says. However, he warns that by opting out of the 2010 Census citizens risk losing the ability to impact who represents them on Capitol Hill and how their tax dollars are spent. Groves says the Census Bureau is a “non-partisan statistical agency” that is independent of any political use of census data. “Our job is to count everyone in the country,” Groves says.
The Census Bureau has launched broad outreach efforts to a wide range of groups, including a focus on members of the lesbian/gay/bi-sexual/transgender community. A variety of ads and testimonials urge LGBT citizens to complete their forms, even going so far as recommending that same sex couples identify themselves as married if they like. One ad states: “For the first time, same sex married couples will be counted. This includes couples who may live where their relationship is not recognized.” A number of the testimonials also talk about using the 2010 Census to help achieve the political aims of the LGBT community, by making sure they garner maximum funding for programs they are most interested in. With that in mind, conservatives who opt out may wind up losing ground on issues they care most about. “It’s critical that Republicans and conservatives participate,” Chaffetz urges.