Mark your Calendars for Census Day: April 1, 2010
The time for you to send your questionnaires back!
In March 2010, forms will be mailed throughout the U.S. kicking off the 23rd National Census. Should anyone question why they should fill out and return the forms, here are some myths and facts about the Census that may not be widely known:
MYTHS and FACTS about the U.S. Census:
MYTH #1: Information from the Census form will be given to the immigration and naturalization service. -FALSE
TRUTH: The Census Bureau is interested in statistical information only. The questionnaire collects information on the number of people in a location, their ethnicity, housing situation, and other social and economic data. That information is then processed electronically and any information that could be used to identify an individual or company is removed, before it is made public. Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties.
MYTH #2: The Census form is too long and asks too many personal questions. - FALSE
TRUTH: The 2010 Census Form is very short and will only take about 10 minutes to answer. There are questions regarding your name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, household relationship, number of occupants, and other administrative questions.
MYTH #3: It's OK if I choose not to fill out the Census form. - FALSE
TRUTH: Section 221 of Title 13, Chapter 7 of the United States Code requires persons receiving a Census form to fill it out truthfully and return it by April 1, 2010. It also stipulates the penalties for failing to do so, as stated in Myth #1. If you do not return your Census Form by April 1, 2010, Census Workers will contact you to assist in completing the questionnaire.
MYTH #4: The Census is only for U.S. citizens. - FALSE
TRUTH: Conducted every 10 years, the census is a headcount of everyone residing in the United States. The U.S. Constitution mandates it.
MYTH #5: The Census information won't help me. - FALSE
TRUTH: All Census data is used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute over $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.
If you have any questions please contact Little Rock's 2010 Census Coordinator,
Yana-Janell Scott at (501) 918-5309 or by e-mail at yscott@littlerock.org.
NOTE: You Are Counted Where You Live!
If you reside in more than one location, you are required to file your Census information in the location you have reside for 6 months at the minimum.