During the last census 10 years ago, a quarter of Butler County residents didn’t mail back the form. In Hamilton, the response rate was 70 percent; 67 percent in Middletown.
Donna Marsh, regional Census Bureau spokeswoman, says she expects that rate to be higher this year — despite likely challenges reaching minority populations and those who mistrust the federal government.
“That is a challenge, but we knew that going into it,” she said. “So we spent more time trying to educate them on why the census is important.”
Their argument: In addition to determining Ohio’s representation in U.S. Congress, an accurate count is important in properly distributing $400 billion in federal funds that are awarded based on census data.
Furthermore, mailing back the self-stamped form saves taxpayer money and residents a hassle. This is because workers called “enumerators” will start going door to door in late April visiting homes that didn’t return the form.
For people who need help filling out the form, the government will open 31 questionnaire assistance centers in Butler County by Friday, March 19. There will be 12 in Middletown, 13 in Hamilton and four in Oxford; in places such as senior centers, libraries, government offices and churches.
Residents needing Braille or large-print questionnaires, or needing a foreign language assistance guide, may call toll-free (866) 872-6868. Residents also should call that number if they don’t get a form by April 12.
It’s a large government effort for a form census officials say contains only 10 questions, and will take only 10 minutes to fill out. But it will affect residents’ lives for 10 years.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.
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