Minnesota residents who head south during the cold months or “snowbirds” may not be sure about when—and where— they should complete their Census 2010 questionnaire. The Minnesota State Demographic Center recommends that Minnesota residents who reside out of state for the winter months 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.
Gillaspy said the Census Bureau counts residents at their “usual” address. Residents decide what their usual address is, so snowbirds could complete their census questionnaire at either their Minnesota residence or their part-time home. However, Gillaspy added, “By using their Minnesota address, Minnesotans benefit their home state.”
According to the State Demographic Center, the 2010 Census is critical for Minnesota. Apportionment — resetting the number of U.S. House of Representative seats allocated to each state as required by the Constitution— is based on the populations counted in the Census taken every 10 years. States projected to lose seats are Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio (which is expected to lose two). States projected to gain seats are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, Washington and Texas (which is expected to gain four seats).
The State Demographic Center estimates that fewer than 3,000 people are needed for Minnesota to retain its eight congressional districts.
Gillaspy said, “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.”
Census questionnaires will be delivered to all addresses nationwide in mid- March. The 10-question questionnaires will be mailed to regular mailing addresses (for example 123 Elm Street). For people who have “non-home delivery”—a post office box—questionnaires will be handdelivered to their household. TheUS Post Officewill not forward Census 2010 questionnaires.
The confusion arises because Minnesota snowbirds will receive a 2010 Census questionnaire at both their Minnesota and snowbird addresses. Anyone wishing to be counted as a Minnesota resident should complete the form received in Minnesota. The forms must be returned to the Census Bureau by April 1.
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 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.
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