I spent almost two years working, in various capacities, with the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2010 census. I worked in the Concord office, primarily on recruitment of census workers, but also spent time on training, testing, returning calls and various other activities that were necessary depending on the particular phase of the census that was current.

I worked in conjunction with many dedicated and professional workers who, although temporary, were devoted to doing the best job they could to carry out a fair and authentic census. The longer we worked, the more we learned about the history of the census and the importance of it to our nation, state and local community.

Census information is confidential and we were constantly reminded of how important our oath was to uphold the rules and regulations of the census bureau. We spent many hours shredding information to guard that information. The office was so secure that maintenance had to be done during the work day to prevent any unauthorized admittance to private areas.

I mention all this because the more I read and hear about what is happening to the 2020 census, the more I worry that it is being used as a political tool, particularly the addition of the question on citizenship. The purpose of the census is to count everyone in this country. That goal has not changed in 200 years. The last time a question on citizenship was asked was 1950 (despite claims to the contrary by various officials).

The census count is used for so many different and important programs in this country that it is essential to get it right. After all, we won’t be able to fix it for 10 years. The individuals with whom I worked in 2010 were honest, committed and nonpartisan. They did their job well despite knowing it was not permanent. They felt that not only were they doing a job, they were serving their country.

If there are barriers to obtaining the most information possible, or if people who need to be counted are afraid of the process, the census will be tainted. The results will not be what this country deserves, which is an accurate count of all who reside in this country. Programs that help states and communities will not be addressed in the manner they should be. We all will suffer as a result.

Census results help fund such things as health care, education and infrastructure; all important parts of our everyday lives. It is my hope that the census will be able to provide truthful and full information about the inhabitants of this great country.

(David Doherty lives in Pembroke.)