Participation in the 2010 Census is easy, important and safe, and your participation is vital. Here is a quick snapshot of what the census is and why it matters to our nation and community.

What:   The census is a count of everyone living in the United States.

Who:    Everyone in the United States must be counted, both citizens and noncitizens.

When: Census Day is April 1, 2010, the official day of the population count. All 2010 Census responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information is collected annually from a relatively small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey (www.census.gov/acs).

Why:   Census data directly affects how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to local, state, and tribal governments. Census data help guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, child-care and senior centers, schools and more—even where to locate supermarkets, businesses, new housing, and other facilities.

How:   Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households in March 2010. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. 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. 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. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

We move forward when you send it back.  For more information, visit 2010census.gov.