RANDALLSTOWN, Md. (AP)- Maryland officials are gearing up for the 2010 census and working to make sure everyone is counted.

Gov. Martin O'Malley announced the start of an outreach plan on Wednesday. The initiative focused on the importance of an accurate count includes advertising at Motor Vehicle Administration branches, on buses and on county and state Web sites.

O'Malley says full participation is the only way to help the state get its share of federal funds.

Maryland's population in the 2000 census was 5,296,486, making it the nation's 19th most populous state. State officials say they will focus on traditionally "hard-to-count" jurisdictions, including highly transient and poorer areas in Baltimore and along the Eastern Shore.

The 10-question census form should begin arriving by mid-March.