× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

CHARLESTON — Groups working to help ensure an accurate U.S. Census count in Coles County have two public forums and other informational plans in the works.

“Complete Count Committees” for Charleston, Mattoon and the county are largely “working tandem” to try to reach all the areas of the county, Charleston committee Chair Beth Gillespie said.

The events will help relay the message of why completing the Census is not only legally required but that it also provides information that will be used to support a variety of organizations and activities, Gillespie said.

“We want to encourage people all across the community and let them know the Census impacts the community at large,” Gillespie said.

The public forums will take place at the Charleston Carnegie Public Library, the first from 6-7 p.m. Thursday and the second from 10:30-11:30 Feb. 5. The forums will address why the Census takes place, what questions it will ask and why it matters.

Information presented will show the Census' impacts on Congressional representation, as well as state and local federal funding allocations. It will also cover personal effects such as rent markets and lending practices.