U.S. Census forms are scheduled to arrive in the mail this week, so take a little time to sit down, fill it out completely and send it back.

Taking a census every 10 years is a constitutional requirement, so it’s part of every American’s duty to see that his or her constitutional duty is fulfilled. George Washington wanted it done, so show some respect for the father of our nation and fill out your form.

There’s a lot riding on the census results in this modern era. Originally, the census was needed to make sure that seats on the House of Representatives were apportioned fairly. But the mission has crept considerably since the first census in 1790. Thanks to federal revenue sharing, there’s about $300 billion that will be doled out to the states based on the 2010 census numbers. Some of that will trickle down to Island County.

Legislatively, it’s possible that the 2010 census will give Washington State another seat in Congress. If so, then our Second Congressional District will no doubt see some boundary adjustments. But money is the main concern, so let’s make sure we get our fair share.

Funding for federal and state grants is based on population, and in recent years Island County has been losing out. That’s because 10 years ago, only 59 percent of Island County residents fulfilled their role in the census. Statewide, the average was 66 percent. So by not participating, you’re literally costing your community money.

To its credit, the Census Bureau has been simplifying the form in recent years, asking fewer intrusive questions. The 2010 form is advertised as consisting of “10 questions in 10 minutes.”

Ten minutes is very little time to help make sure we are fairly represented, and to help our county and city governments obtain all the federal and state grant assistance they possible can.

So do your part, fill out your census form and mail it back. Somewhere, George Washington will be proud of you.