Yeah, I know. The government is intruding in your life more and more each day. And no, I’m not thrilled with the current administration having my information either. But it’s still necessary. Why?

For starters, the Census is one of the few things carried out by this government that is actually provided for in the United States Constitution. Our Founding Fathers specifically and directly gave the federal government the power to conduct the Census.

Article 1, Section 2:

Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct.

The first Congress met in 1789 and the first Census was conducted in 1790. This isn’t some new, big government initiative. It spans back throughout the history of the United States, right to the beginning of the republic.

Historical precedent and direct constitutional authorization not convincing enough? Okay, let’s review another necessary reason to send back your Census forms: It makes sure you receive the correct number of representatives and electoral votes in your state.

To quote Ace:

Bear in mind the numbers from the census count decide the number of Representatives for each state, and determine the apportionment of Representatives in each state, for the next ten years.

There has been a long exodus away from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt. Every ten years, we add additional Representatives from Republican territory, and subtract an equal number from Democratic territory.

That’s not going to happen if a lot of conservatives have a weird “off the grid” idea of boycotting the census.

Don’t think you’re winning against Obama and Democrats by refusing to send back your information. They win if you refuse to participate. Whether you send back your Census form determines how much power your vote wields in Congress and the Electoral College.

So do the country and yourself a favor. Complete the Census form and send it back.