The deadline for the “Count Me In!” contest, sponsored by the Butler County Commissioners and the Butler Eagle, has been extended through April.

The poster contest is for students in kindergarten to fourth grade and is designed to encourage county residents to participate in the U.S. Census and fill out the census questionnaires, which will be arriving at homes April 1.

Winning entries will be used in various county census campaigns and displays around the county.

The census, mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is conducted every decade to determine how to distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties like Butler County, and vital community programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy — as well as determine federal and state political representation.

The poster contest is open to Butler County residents in kindergarten through grade four.

Six winning entries will be selected. Entries can be 8.5 by 11 inches or 11 by 17 inches and use any medium from crayon and chalk to markers and paint. The slogan “Count Me In!” must be included.

Entries are now due Thursday, April 30, and will be judged by county commissioners. Participation awards will be given as well as a top prize and five prizes awarded to runners-up.

Entries can be mailed to the Butler Eagle, 514 W. Wayne St., or placed in the drop box outside the facility. For more information, contact Donna Sybert, Eagle associate managing editor, at 724-282-8000, Ext. 243.