2010 Census Needs Your Participation
Mar 03 2010
Starting about March 15, more than 130 million addresses will receive a 2010 Census form by mail or hand delivery. The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000 and tell us how we’ve evolved as country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state, and local governments, the census also will frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years.
During Census 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent as of the April 2000 cut-off. About $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation. For these and many other reasons, everyone’s participation in the census is encouraged.
Other facts:
It’s easy. The 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. It is one of the shortest census forms in history.
It’s important. Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.
It’s safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms by the end of April to take the count in person.
Will answer only those questions that are pertinent to Constitutional requirements. All others will be market “NCR” (Not a Constitutional Requirement).