Republican ‘census’ form should not be confused with U.S. Census Bureau questionnaire

The Republic National Committee has mailed “2010 Congressional District Census” forms to members of the Republican Party. The four-page form asks 37 questions about domestic issues and national defense.

Some Volusia County residents have reported that they believed these were the official U.S. Census Bureau questionnaires.

The U.S. Census Bureau will mail census questionnaires to every household in the United States March 15. Residents are required to return them by April 1. The questionnaires ask 10 questions and will take about 10 minutes to complete.

For more information about the 2010 Census, please visit www.2010census.gov.

What you need to know about Census 2010

It’s quick and easy.
The 2010 census form asks a few simple questions about members of your household, including name, gender, age, race/ethnicity, and whether you rent or own your home. That’s it. Just drop the completed form into a mailbox by April 1, 2010, Census Day.

It’s confidential.
Census forms are confidential for 72 years and cannot be shared with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies, any court of law, and law-enforcement agencies. There are harsh penalties for anyone who discloses information that can identify a respondent.

It’s important.
Census data will be used to draw school districts, establish state legislative districts, and determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

It helps fund community services.
The data will determine how more than $400 billion in federal funds will be distributed to local governments each year. Local governments use census data to allocate funding for education, public safety, housing, roads, public transportation and other community services. An undercounting of even 1,000 residents could mean a loss of millions of dollars to your community.

Top 10 reasons to complete your census form

1. It’s easy. The 2010 census form contains 10 simple questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. It’s the shortest census questionnaire in history!
2. It’s important. Census data will be used to establish state legislative districts and determine the number of seats Florida has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
3. It’s confidential. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share your response with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies.
4. We all benefit financially. The data will determine how more than $400 billion in federal funds will be distributed to local governments.
5. It can help us recruit new businesses. Local officials will use census data to attractnew businesses – and jobs – to Volusia County.
6. It helps us plan for future needs. Data will be used to forecast housing and transportationneeds, draw school district boundaries, and develop community assistance programs.
7. It can help you during disasters. The higher our census numbers, the more federal andstate assistance Volusia County will be qualified to receive following declared disasters.
8. It provides a snapshot of your community. Each community is different, with different profiles. An accurate census count will help provide for your community’s specific needs.
9. It’s convenient. If you file by April 1, 2010, a Census Bureau employee will not need to visit your home.
10. It’s the law. All people living in Volusia County at least six months of the year are required to complete and return their census forms.