Angelenos Slow in Returning 2010 Census Forms

Despite a massive push on the national, state, and local levels, Los Angeles residents are still not filling out and sending in their 2010 Census forms, according to the Daily News. Federal officials noted: "Two weeks after the forms were sent out, about 11 percent of city residents have turned them in - compared with 16 percent statewide." An interactive map updated daily shows that today LA County and California are at 33% and 34% respectively, which is on par with the 34% national return level.

But city Census organizers remain optimistic, since the forms are not due until April 1st (Census Day). They have more awareness events planned until then, and to follow up with those who didn't send in the form between then and the summer. A decade ago, LA also showed lower returns: "In the 2000 census, Los Angeles' participation rate was 67 percent, compared with a national average of 72 percent."

Undercounting results in loss of federal funds; the population count is also what determines government representation. Many believe fear is what keeps people from filling out the form, particularly if their immigration status is questionable. This year's form is the shortest ever, with only ten questions, and an estimated completion time of ten minutes.

Previously on LAist: Did the U.S. Census Waste Millions Sending 2-Paragraph Letters?