Census wants to count on you on April 1st

Job opportunities also available during count

NORTHEAST — Census workers have begun to talk in the community about the importance of this year’s count. A complete count of everyone brings more federal money into the area, they pointed out. Also, through June many jobs are available to the public to help with the count. You can apply for these by calling 1-866-861-2010 or visiting www.2010censusjobs.gov.

2010 Census Facts

The US Census is conducted every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution. The census is a count of everyone living in the United States. This includes people of all age, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens.

Participation in the census is easy, important and safe, as data are used to reapportion congressional seats to states and assure proper district representation. Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments. By law, the 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.

About the Form

One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households March 15-17; households should complete and mail back their forms upon receipt. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take a count in person. Census Day is April 1, 2010. Responses to the census form should include everyone at that address. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will be available to assist those unable to read or understand the census form. For those with visual impairments, the language assistance guide will be available in large print and Braille. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons who do not have access to Video Relay Service (VRS) can call the TDD number, 1-866-783-2010. In addition to these options, language assistance guides will be available in 59 languages at all QAC locations.