Ohio residents are being asked, even begged, to stand up and be counted.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ohio is the only state that may lose two seats in the House of Representatives because of declining population.
"We are the only state in the Union facing that dilemma," said Monica Ann Hines, of the census bureau. "We need to make sure everyone is counted."
To help ensure that, a "complete count committee" meeting was held Monday at the Wood County Office Building. Officials from various sections of the county attended, representing local government, social services and businesses.
"We want to make sure we get the best possible count that we can," Wood County Commissioner Tim Brown said. "In this economy, we want to make sure we're in line to get every dollar we can."
After all, the numbers filed with the census bureau can make a big difference when it comes to the more than $400 billion handed out annually in federal grants; local planning for roads, hospitals and schools; and congressional seats. Population shifts cause power shifts, Hines pointed out.
According to census bureau information, the southern and western states are set to gain more congressional seats, at the expense of northwestern and midwestern states.
The national count, which is done every 10 years, will officially begin on April 1.
The tough part won't be getting compliant citizens to turn in their census forms, Hines said.
"We need to find the people who don't want to participate - that's our challenge," she said.
Census workers may make as many as eight visits to households that don't respond to census questionnaires, Hines said. An estimated 1.5 million people will be hired nationwide to follow up on people who don't automatically return their completed forms.
So in addition to a national advertising campaign, the census bureau is encouraging local "complete count committees" to get involved.
"Be Counted" sites need to be set up and help must be accessible, she said. "We need to make sure people know where to go for assistance."
In a 13-county area including Wood County, nearly 1,000 people will be hired to help with the census process. At least 100 will be hired for Wood County. Anyone interested in working 20 to 40 hours a week on the census may call 1-866-861-2010.

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