Census forms started arriving in mailboxes this week, and Alachua County officials are encouraging everyone, including students, to participate by filling out and mailing in the form that is required by law.
The Census, which is conducted every 10 years, determines how legislative districts will be drawn, how U.S. House of Representatives seats will be apportioned and how federal funds will be distributed.
Norman Sassner, local Census office manager, said it is important that UF students participate because they attend a state-run school.
“The more students participate, the more [the] funds are going to increase by that number,” Sassner said.
He added it’s necessary students fill out the form in Gainesville if that’s where they are living, even if it is not their permanent residence.
The 23rd census form, the shortest ever, contains 10 questions.
All information collected, including names, addresses and phone numbers, is confidential, Sassner said.
About 63 percent of Gainesville residents participated in the 2000 Census, which ties Florida’s average participation rate but falls below the national average of 67 percent, according to the Census’ Bureau Web site.
Census workers will go to homes that do not submit forms up to three times from April to July.
According to the Census Bureau Web site, regional Census bureaus will deliever the Census information to the president for apportionment in December.
