Participation encouraged, vital for chance at grants

By Kara Beeck
kbeeck@doorcountyadvocate.com

Forms for the 2010 United States Census will be mailed to county residents in March, and everyone is encouraged to fill out and return the 10-question document by April 1.

The U.S. Constitution requires a national poll of every person in the county every 10 years.

"It makes a tremendous difference to communities," said Shirley Senarighi with the League of Women Voters of the census. "There are different grants and allocations, and they are based on population. We want Door County to get its fair share."

Senarighi is the LWV representative on the Complete Count Committee, chaired by County Clerk Jill Lau and Sturgeon Bay City Clerk Stephanie Reinhardt. The rest of the committee is made up of volunteers from the city, towns and villages. All are encouraging census participation.

"One of the good things about our committee is that we are all working together," Senarighi said. "At first, there was going to be a City of Sturgeon Bay and a Door County Committee — so this is a good move. We're really trying to promote a good turnout."

Forms are shorter than they have been in the past, with 10 questions, and answers will remain confidential.

"All the responses are protected by law," said Senarighi, "and census employees are subject to heavy fines and jail time if they disclose any information on the forms."

Senarighi said it's very important for every person living in Door County to fill out the census.

"People should complete the census form for the residence they live and sleep at for most of the year," she said. "If you go away for two or three winter months, you should fill out the Wisconsin census regardless of where you are in March."

Senarighi also wants to clear the confusion about the census workers who have been canvassing communities since spring.

"They have only been verifying addresses, not taking the census count," she said.