Carter: Census 2010

On April 1, 2010, the nation will be asked to participate in the 2010 Census, one of the most important federal operations of the decade. By filling out and mailing in your census form, you are ensuring that there is an accurate and complete count of everyone living in the United States. An accurate count helps the federal government determine how $400 billion dollars in funding is given to states and cities. The data is used to determine how much money our community will receive for things like streets, new housing developments, schools, social service programs and law enforcement grants.

It is estimated that for every person not counted in the census, we lose an estimated $1,300 per year. It is clear that we cannot afford to have one single person not counted in the census. Please fill out and mail in your census form, and encourage others to do the same!

With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes just 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Here is the timeline for the Census:

• March 8 – 11 – Advance letter comes to homes informing them that the census form will arrive the following week and that they should fill it in and mail it back quickly.
• March 15 – 17, 2010 – Census forms hit doorsteps. Forms come with postage paid return envelopes and are addressed only to the particular address and not a particular person.
• March 22 – 24 – Reminder postcards go to homes encouraging people to fill out their forms and mail them back in as soon as possible.
• April 1, 2010 – Census Day in America.
• May – July 2010 – Non-Response Follow Up. The Census Bureau will send out Census Bureau employees to visit addresses that have not yet responded. The Census Bureau employees will visit homes up to six times to encourage residents to respond.
• Dec. 31, 2010 – The Census report is due on the President's desk.

Here are some important phone numbers for your use:

• The Census Bureau is still looking to fill jobs, for more information about census jobs call 866-861-2010.
• For TDD assistance with the census form call 866-783-2010. The lines are open 8a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
• For assistance completing the form, please call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 866-872-6868.

(If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 866-928-2010.)