College of St. Joseph

Vermonters can be part of history by filling out their census questionnaires

Census 2010 is coming! The 2010 Census questionnaire will be delivered or mailed to households across Vermont in March. You can make history by filling out and returning it as soon as you receive it. Watch for your questionnaire!  If you don’t return it, a census worker will have to visit your home to collect the information.

Every person living in the United States must be counted in the 2010 Census – including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Your participation is vital and helps to provide a new portrait of Vermont and the rest of America – illustrating our changing population and demographics.

2010 Census: Why It’s Important

• By completing and returning your census form you are performing an important civic duty while helping to better define the future – for you, your community and our state.
• Every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state and local governments based on census data.
• Census data guide local planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, establish child-care and senior centers, and build new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.
• Census data are used to reapportion congressional seats to states and assure proper district representation. 
• Many businesses, social-services agencies and non-profit organizations use census data to make critical decisions that affect communities everywhere. 

Easy. Important. Safe.

Participating in the census is easy, important and safe. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in history and takes about 10 minutes to complete. By law, the U.S. 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.

[Name of organization] asks for your participation in 2010. Look for your 2010 Census form in March and return it upon receipt. Join us in helping to make our community a better place by participating in the 2010 Census.  For more information visit www.2010.census.gov or call Helen Simon at the U.S. Census Bureau in Williston, Vt., at (802) 264-0856.