Frequently Asked Questions

1. Exactly who is counted during the census count?

The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and America Samoa. This count includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups – both citizens and non-citizens.

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2. How many questions will the 2010 Census entail?

The 2010 Census questionnaire has 10 easy questions for the head-of-household. For each additional person living in the household, there are seven of the same questions asked to the head-of-household. The simple, short questionnaire takes only minutes to complete and return by mail.

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3. How secure and confidential is my census information?

Your census information is very secure. Every Census Bureau worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of census responses. Violation would result in a jail term of up to five years and/or a fine up to $250,000. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone.

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4. Does the Census Bureau share information with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Internal Revenue Service, courts, or the police?

No, individual census records are not shared with anyone, including government agencies or private organizations. It is unlawful for the Census Bureau to give personally identifiable information about an individual to any other individual or agency for 72 years after it is collected. After 72 years, the individual census records are sent to the National Archives where they are made public primarily for genealogical research.

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5. What does decennial mean?

Decennial means every 10 years. Therefore, the census is called the “decennial census” because it occurs every 10 years.

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6. When and how will the census take place?

In late February 2010, census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. Questionnaires are due by Census Day, April 1, 2010. Households that do not return completed questionnaire by mail will be visited by census takers between April 2010 and July 2010. The census takers will physically knock on the doors of households that did not respond to the initial mail-back questionnaire to obtain the required census information. By December 2010 the Census Bureau delivers population counts to the President for apportionment, the process of proportionately dividing the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 states.

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7. How does the Census Bureau know which language-version of the questionnaire to send me?

The census questionnaire is available in six primary languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian. Additionally, Telephone Assistance Centers (TACs) will be available for people to request a questionnaire in one of these six languages. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QACs) will be available around the state to offer assistance to people who may need support in understanding the census form. Language Assistance Guides are available in more than 51 languages and are available through TACs and QACs. Additionally, in neighborhoods where English is not the prominent language, residents will receive census questionnaires in the prominent language of the community.

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8. How does census information affect my community?

Census data is used to determine the need for social services, including community development block grants and other grant programs essential to many communities. Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior centers, and more.

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9. In regards to the census, how is Arizona unique?

Arizona’s population is diverse and changes seasonally. The people who reside in Arizona are from many different backgrounds, speak many different languages, and may live here for only part of the year. In the 2010 Census, Arizona needs to reflect its true population. In order to predict, plan, and receive the resources necessary for Arizona’s future, the 2010 Census needs to be as accurate as possible.

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10. What is a Complete Count Committee?

Complete Count Committees are on the regional and local levels. Many counties and cities have organized their own Complete Count Committees as well. These committees include representatives from community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, local governments, media and advertising groups, and businesses that are putting forth their time and resources to ensure an accurate count of the people who reside in Arizona in 2010.

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11. What is apportionment?

Apportionment is the process of proportionately dividing the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 states.

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12. What is address canvassing?

Address canvassing operation is a critically important first step in assuring that every housing unit receives a census questionnaire in March 2010. Census workers will visit neighborhoods to verify housing units. In most cases, they will knock on doors to verify addresses and inquire about the number of living quarters on the property. This is the first census to include group quarters (such as dormitories, group homes, prisons and homeless shelters) in the address canvassing operation. This step should improve both the accuracy and coverage of the final count. Census workers will use hand-held computers equipped with GPS to increase geographic accuracy.

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