With official U.S. Census forms arriving this month, it’s important that every Valley resident is accounted for.

Data from the 10-question census form, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, is used in reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and state and local governments.

Forms should be returned as quickly as possible, and responses should include everyone who will be living at each residence as of April 1, 2010, the official day of the population count.

The federal census is a count of every woman, man, and child in the United States including citizens and non-citizens. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Those needing help completing their form can come to the second floor of Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., which is an Authorized Census Questionnaire Assistance Center. Assistance is available during the following days and times:

• Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

• Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.

• Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m.

• Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Census data is updated only once every 10 years. Mailing back a form helps keep an accurate population count where every person will make a difference in planning for local, state, and federal programs.