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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kelly Ceballos April 1, 2009 202-263-1331

2010 CENSUS A VITAL CIVIC COUNT OF ALL AMERICANS League of Women Voters is 2010 Census National Partner

Washington, DC + The League of Women Voters today announced its role as a national partner in the 2010 U.S. Census. The decennial count takes place one year from today.

"The 2010 Census is an enormously important government effort that sets out to count all Americans," said Mary G Wilson, national President of the League of Women Voters. "The League is joining this effort as a national partner to enable our local, grassroots members to help achieve this goal."

"We join with the U.S. Census Bureau and other organizations in emphasizing the importance of every single resident being counted in the community in which they live," Wilson stated. "Many Americans may not be aware of how important Census data is to almost every aspect of their lives. This data is used as the basis for most federal funding to states and communities as well as for determining the number of representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives and to state legislatures. Since Leagues around the country are well-known and trusted sources of civic information, they can play an important role in educating the public that the 2010 Census is important, easy, and fair."

"Our goal is to work with others to eliminate the `undercount' that occurs, particularly within low income and minority populations," said Wilson. "We have been fighting to protect the rights of underrepresented communities in many arenas including voting and elections, and immigration and health care reforms. The Census influences so many public policy decisions, we all must do our part to see that it is as accurate and inclusive as it can be."

"Officials have worked hard to plan this Census, but they cannot reach into every community without the help of grassroots organizations like the League," Wilson said. "It is our hope that thousands of League members nationwide will do our part to make the Census a success, by helping Americans reach a comfort level with the process and a willingness to participate in this important civic process. Our approach to the Census is similar to that of voting - We want everyone to count!"

For additional information on the 2010 Census click here or go to http://www.2010.census.gov/2010census.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: March 7, 2010 09:24 PST.

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