MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Ten years after finishing at the bottom in participation, one Monongalia County official wants West Virginians to do a better job with this year’s U.S. Census.
Americans will begin to receive Census forms in mid-March. The effort determines how much federal funding local and state communities receive as well as how many congressional representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Monongalia County GIS coordinator Mike Paugh said the more people that take part in the Census, the better various programs will be.
“West Virginia finished next to last in the 2010 Census,” he mentioned.
Respondents will answer questions regarding the number of people in a household as well as the age of residents.
Paugh is especially focused on working at West Virginia University, which includes educating students about why the Census matters.
“You’re counted in the residence you live in for the majority of the year and they are here for nine months out of the year,” he said. “They need to be aware they are not counted in their mom and dad’s home or wherever they might be from. They’re counted here in the city of Morgantown, Monongalia County.”
People can submit their information by form, online or by telephone. July 31 is the final day for people to self-respond.