Minnesota ‘snowbirds’ critical to Census 2010 count

With less than six months to go until Census Day 2010, the Minnesota State Demographic Center is encouraging Minnesota residents who reside out of state for the winter months (“snowbirds”) to answer only the 2010 Census form they receive at their Minnesota address.

“Every Minnesotan needs to answer the 2010 Census they receive at their Minnesota address,” said State Demographer Tom Gillaspy. “If they respond to the Census form they receive at their winter ‘snowbird’ address, they will be counted as residents of that state, not Minnesota. If even a fraction of Minnesotans miss this opportunity, we could easily be left with only seven representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Gillaspy.

The State Demographic Center estimates that fewer than 3,000 people are needed for Minnesota to retain its eight congressional districts. Minnesotans, Gillaspy said, should also be aware of the following:

Usual address
• The Census Bureau counts residents at their "usual" address.
• Residents decide their "usual" address.
• By using their Minnesota address, Minnesotans benefit their home state.

Questionnaires will be delivered to all addresses nationwide
• The Census Bureau will mail questionnaires in mid-March to regular mailing addresses (for example, 123 Elm Street).
• Minnesota snowbirds will receive a 2010 Census questionnaire at both their Minnesota and snowbird addresses.
• The Census Bureau will hand-deliver questionnaires to the addresses of persons with non-home delivery, such as a P.O. Box, RFD or Star Route.
• The United States Post Office will not forward Census 2010 questionnaires.

The 2010 Census is critical for Minnesota. In addition to determining Congressional representation, Census information determines the allocation of more than $400 billion in federal funding for everything from education to transportation. The business community also uses Census information for planning, marketing, labor force projections and more.

For more information about Census 2010 in Minnesota, visit www.mn2010census.org on the Internet or contact Ryan Dolan at (651) 201-2479 or ryan.dolan@state.mn.us, or Barbara Ronningen at (651) 201-2473 or barbara.ronningen@state.mn.us.