Friday: SLC Pushes To Count Amish

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Story Published: Feb 5, 2010 at 6:02 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 5, 2010 at 7:26 PM EST

St. Lawrence County officials are pushing to make sure the 2010 Census counts Amish families in the county.
 
The Amish population is believed to have grown since the last federal Census from only a few families to a presence in a dozen municipalities across the county. 
 
The Amish pay taxes but traditionally avoid government contact due to religious beliefs and customs. Even though the Census does not ask a person's religious affiliation, local officials are worried many Amish will view the Census as unnecessary and not participate, resulting in an undercount.
 
Even small issues involving the Census may discourage Amish people from filling out the form.
 
"There is one question on the form that asks for your phone number. Obviously they don't have that. And if they haven't seen the form or talked to anybody about the form, they might decide 'I don't know what to do. I'm not going to go any further,'" said county planner John Tenbusch.
 
And more, the Amish may simply not be reached by advertising and other information about the Census
 
The population numbers are used in formulas that determine government aid programs and for state and federal legislative redistricting.
 
 
 
 

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