It’s that time of the decennial again, when the federal government starts sending out census questionnaires to millions of residents. And the government is urging everyone — especially people of color — to fill out their forms and get counted.
“Historically, African Americans have been reluctant to participate in the census in the past,†says Arnold Jackson, associate director for the 2010 census. “Other than voting, I’m not sure anything is as important-the census helps dictate who represents us and where federal dollars are spent in our communities.â€
Unfortunately, the 2000 Census missed an estimated one million people of color and also undercounted low-income people and children.
The 2010 Census will ask for your name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home — the simple questions will take about 10 minutes to answer, he says. (Sample questionnaire)
The Constitutionally mandated census is conducted every 10 years and counts every resident in the United States. The census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year and also help determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“We’ve made progress on reducing the differential undercount, but it is extremely for any group that is concerned about equal representation to participate,†says Jackson.
By March, the 10-question census form will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The federal government would like the form mailed back by April 1. If the form isn’t returned, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. Though the majority — 90% — of forms will be mailed, the census bureau will also send out staff to areas where is not delivered to residences uniformly and areas that historically have a low rate of return of questionnaires to conduct interviews.
Jackson says that the census is safe and
people should not be fearful of filling out the form. By law, the Census Bureau can’t share an individual’s responses with anyone. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for violating the oath is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.“For every one percent increase in mail response, about $85 million in taxpayer dollars are saved,†says Kamille A. Davis, a public information office for the census bureau.
(Continued on next page: FAQs and Key Census Dates)
February — March 2010
Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
March — April 2010
Be Counted program is implemented. Questionnaires are available at select public sites for individuals who did not receive one by mail.
April 1, 2010
Census Day
May — July 2010
Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.
Dec. 31, 2010
By law, the Census Bureau delivers population counts to the president.
March 2011
By law, the Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.
Frequently asked questions:
Q. Who should fill out the census questionnaire?
The individual in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented should complete the questionnaire on behalf of every person living in the residence, including relatives and non-relatives.
Q. How will the 2010 Census differ from previous censuses?
In 2010, every residence will receive a short questionnaire of just 10 questions. More detailed socioeconomic information previously collected through the decennial census will be asked of a small percentage of the population through the annual American Community Survey.
Q. How are census data used?
Census data determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data also can help determine the allocation of federal funds for community services, such as school lunch programs and senior citizen centers, and new construction, such as highways and hospitals.
Q. What kind of assistance is available to help people complete the questionnaire?
2010 Census questionnaire language assistance guides are available in a variety of languages. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will also assist those unable to read or understand the questionnaire. Large-print questionnaires are available upon request, and a Teletext Device for the Deaf (TDD) program will help the hearing impaired.
Q. How does the Census Bureau count people without a permanent residence?
Census Bureau workers undertake extensive operations to take in-person counts of people living in group quarters, such as college dormitories, military barracks, nursing homes and shelters, as well as those who have been displaced by natural disasters.
Q. How do I contact the Census Bureau?
Click here for a list of Census Bureau regional offices, and you can call the bureau at 1-800-923-8282 (Monday to Thursday: 8:30 – 5:30 ET Friday: 8:30-4:30 ET).