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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Census information kept safe

For the information of those who may not know: By law, the census records are sealed for 72 years after they are received, and no one is allowed to reveal identifiable information about any person, household or business before then. Until 72 years has lapsed, the only information that can be used is for general information purposes, such as determining population for representation and funding of certain government programs, or general statistical data. I do genealogy and the latest census info I can access is from 1940.

Valerie Adams

Spokane

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