Why the census matters

An accurate and complete count of all Montanans is critical for determining the federal funding distributed to the state. Overall, more than $2 billion from 300 federal programs is allocated back to Montana based on Census information. The Census count also shapes local voting and school districts, and it determines whether Montana will receive a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Without an accurate Census count, Montana risks having other states get some of our state's fair share of funding. Missing only one resident means that a community misses up to $20,000 over the next de...