2010 Census – It’s Easy, Safe and Important

The 2010 Decennial Census will take a snapshot of everyone residing in the United States, regardless of age, race, or immigration status, delivering accurate information about our diverse and growing population. 

Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Decennial Census is the largest peacetime mobilization effort of the American public, requiring years of planning and more than a half million temporary workers.   The 2010 Census questionnaire will be mailed in March 2010 to every household in the United States.  Respondents complete the form and return it in a postage-paid envelope.

The 2010 Census is easy.

Questionnaires will be mailed to households across the country in March 2010. With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest ever.

The 2010 Census is safe.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with any government agency. No court of law can access individual responses. Census workers are sworn to secrecy – any breach of confidentiality is punishable by up to a $250,000 fine and a jail term of up to five years.

The 2010 Census is important.

The federal government uses census data to allocate billions of dollars in federal funds annually for programs and services. In addition, state, local and tribal governments use data for planning and allocating funds for public projects. Community organizations use census information to develop social service programs.  Population counts also determine Congressional apportionment – the amount of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives – and states use the data to allocate seats in their state legislatures.

The 2010 Census is easy, safe, and important. Be Counted.

For further information about 2010 Census operations and activities visit www.2010census.gov or contact the Census Bureau at Boston.PDSP@ census.gov or (617) 223-3610.