2010 Census: IT'S IN OUR HANDS

The Census: A Snapshot
What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States.

Who: All U.S. residents must be counted—people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens. 
When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey. 
Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. 
How: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. mail in March 2010; many households will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census workers also will visit households that do not return questionnaires.

A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data
Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. 
 Increased participation in the census will result in more accurate data that media outlets can trust and share with the public in articles and reports. 
 Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, job training, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more.
Census data determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the boundaries of legislative districts.

2010 Census Questionnaire: Quick, Easy and Confidential
With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history and takes just 10 minutes to complete. 
By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Visit the Census Bureau's Web site at http://www.census.gov and click on "regional Offices" for contact information.