Pledge to submit Census form and enter a drawing for $100

Residents can help their community as well as earn a chance to win $100 when they pledge to fill out and return their 2010 U.S. Census forms.

Riverside County is taking online pledges from residents who, by returning their census forms, help ensure an accurate count of the local population. Entries submitted by midnight on April 15 at www.rccensus.org will be eligible in the drawing for the $100 prize. One name will be selected at random and announced at the Board of Supervisors’ April 20 meeting.

“This is a novel approach that raises awareness about the census and encourages our residents to become involved,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Marion Ashley said.

Census results help determine the amount of state and federal funding received for local services and programs – everything from roads to schools to services for children and the elderly. Countywide, local agencies could lose $250 million over the next decade if the census misses 1 percent of Riverside County residents.

Paper entry forms also are available at the County Administrative Center 2nd Floor Permit Center Information Desk, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside, or at the Desert Permit Assistance Center, 38686 El Cerrito Road in Palm Desert. Paper forms are available Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Paper forms also must be returned to the counters where they are available before midnight on April 15.

Participants must be county residents and only one entry per household is allowed. Winners must provide valid identification to receive the award. Organizers are not liable for any reason that prevents entry submission prior to the established deadline and the information provided will not be used for any purpose other than to conduct the drawing.

For more information, visit the county’s Census Web page at www.rccensus.org.