Every ten years since the founding of our republic, the U.S. government has taken a census of its citizens. The original reason was to allocate Congressional representation — to make sure that all groups of citizens have an equal say in their government. At present, there’s one congressperson for every 650,000 people or so — after this census, it will be closer to 700,000.

Money for most government programs is also allocated according to population. Knowing how many people live in a community is essential to getting our fair share. Highways, police and fire protection, water resources, education programs, and countless other programs depend on a true count of residents here and in every other community.