Montana lost a seat in the House of Representatives in 1990 because it counted illegal immigrants in the census and was denied a new House district in 2000.

That said, it is believed in some quarters that North Carolina might lose a House seat if it does NOT count illegal immigrants in the 2010 census — and so could Iowa, Louisiana and Michigan.

Declining population in general cost Pennsylvania two seats in the 2000 census, the same census in which Utah came up 800 citizens short of gaining a seat.

In 2000, Allegany County had only a 66 percent response rate to the census, and Cumberland’s was worse — 63 percent.

More than seats in the House of Representatives are at stake (each state has two U.S. Senators).

The census results can affect planning, funding and resources for schools, senior citizens services, health care, transportation, response to unemployment, housing starts and other areas, and they also stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Citizens will be notified of the 2010 census by mail next March. An accurate count is necessary to make sure we get our fair share of what’s available, so be ready to stand up and be counted.