Why the Census matters

The results of the census will affect each one of us every day for the next decade. Distribution of federal funding for schools, roads, senior services, public safety and a host of other community services is determined by Census population data. About $13,000 will come to Hall County for every household that completes a Census questionnaire. If the population is underestimated because people are not counted, Hall County may not receive the funding it needs to provide necessary services for residents. So when the survey arrives in your mailbox in March, please take a few minutes to fill it out and drop it in the mail.

How the Census works

What? Count.
The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas.

Who? Everyone.
All residents of the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens. No one is going to ask your immigration status, whether you have paid your taxes, or who you voted for in the last election. Census simply wants to know how many people live in your house to ensure an accurate population count.



When? Every 10 years.
Every 10 years, and the next census occurs in 2010. Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to every household in the United States in March 2010. The questions ask you to provide information that is accurate for your household as of April 1, 2010.

The Census Bureau must count everyone and submit state population totals to the U.S. President by December 31, 2010.

The first Census was conducted in 1790 and has been carried out every 10 years since then.

Where? Everywhere in the U.S.
The Census counts everyone residing in the United States. People should be counted where they live and sleep most of the year.

Why? So everyone is represented.
The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount of everyone residing in the United States. The population totals determine each state's Congressional representation. The numbers also affect funding in your community and help inform decision makers about how your community is changing. More people equal more money and better services for you and your family.

How? A simple questionnaire.
The Census Bureau will mail or deliver questionnaires to your house in March 2010. Census will mail a second form to households that do not respond to the initial questionnaire.

Households that still do not respond will be called or visited by a Census worker. If a census taker visits you, here's what you should do:

• First ask to see their ID. All census workers carry official government badges marked with just their name; they may also have a "U.S. Census Bureau" bag
• Note that the census taker will never ask to enter your home
• If you're still not certain about their identity, please call the Atlanta Regional Census Center at 404-335-1555 to confirm they are employed by the Census Bureau
• Answer the census form questions for your entire household (you must be at least 15 years old to answer questions) so that the census taker can record the results for submission to the Census Bureau

Census takers visit local homes several times to capture resident information for the 2010 Census. If you prefer, you can schedule a visit with your census taker. Should the census taker come when you are away from your home, they will leave a contact number. If a census taker has not visited your home or you have a question about your participation with the census, call the Atlanta Regional Census Center at 404-335-1555.

2010 Census Committee Contact
Nikki Young Public Information Officer  770.297.5504  Email	116 Spring Street, SE Gainesville, GA 30501