Will you be counted? Census questionnaires to arrive soon
By TAMMY R. LAWSON, TIMES-REPUBLICANArticle Photos
Fact Box
2010 Census form questions:
1: How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010? (The answer goes toward an accurate count on this specific day.)
2: Were there any additional people staying here on April 1 that you did not include in Question 1? (Asked since 1880, this helps identify people who may have been excluded in the count provided in Question 1.)
3: Is this house, apartment, or mobile home owned with mortgage, owned without mortgage, rented or occupied without rent? (Asked since 1890, homeownership rates serve as an indicator of the nation's economy. The data is also used to administer housing programs.)
4: What is your telephone number? (This is asked in case contact is needed when a form is returned having incomplete or missing answers.)
5: Please provide information for each person living here. (Listing the name of each person in the household helps to include all members.)
6: Is Person 1 male or female? (Asked since 1790, this data is important because many federal programs must differentiate between the sexes for funding, implementing and evaluating programs - for example, laws promoting equal employment opportunity for women.)
7: What is the age and birth date of Person 1? (Asked since 1800, federal, state, and local governments need this data to interpret most social and economic characteristics such as forecasting the number of people eligible for Social Security or Medicare benefits.)
8: Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin? (Asked since 1970, this is needed by federal agencies to monitor compliance with anti-discrimination provisions. State and local governments may use the data to help plan and administer bilingual programs for people of Hispanic origin.)
9: What is the race of Person 1? (Asked since 1790, this is key to implementing many federal laws, and is needed to monitor compliance with both the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act.)
10: Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else? (This ensures accuracy and completeness of how many live in the household.)
- Compiled by Tammy R. Lawson
As April 1 approaches, local officials are counting on 100 percent participation from its residents on Census Day.
For this to be accomplished, the Complete Count Committee of Marshalltown is asking for full cooperation from citizens and local organizations alike.
Questionnaires are in the process of being mailed to households throughout Marshall County and in preparation, coordinator Shari Coughenour will be speaking at various gatherings this month on behalf of the program.
"The focus will be to identify cultural groups within the community and find the best way to get the word out that everyone needs to be counted," she said.
With only 10 inquiries to answer, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history and takes only 10 minutes to complete.
By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share an individual's responses with anyone and that includes other federal agencies or law enforcement entities.
Its questions help determine the annual distribution of more than $400 billion in government funding for critical community services, generates thousands of jobs across the country and as well, impacts your voice in Congress.
For more information on how to get involved, call Shari Coughenour at the City Clerk's Office, 641-754-5701.
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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com
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AverageAmerican
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03-01-10 6:43 AM
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Too many nosy questions... Just say no.
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