In March 2010, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a census questionnaire. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census questionnaire asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Completing your census questionnaire is easy, important and safe, and your participation is essential to ensuring a brighter tomorrow for our community.

Required once every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, the census will count every person living in the United States, both citizens and noncitizens. Census data are used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives, re-district each state and determine the distribution of the Electoral College. Census data also directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments. Most importantly, census data is critical in determining locations for new hospitals, improving schools, building new roads, expanding public transportation options and creating new maps for emergency responders.

By participating in the census, you can help create a better future for you and those important to you. Complete and return your form when it arrives. To learn more, visit www.2010census.gov.

On March 15, 120 millions households began receiving their 2010 Census forms.  In this video, Census Director Robert Groves visits James Madison's historic home and reflects on the Constitutional origins of the Census and our civic duty to participate.

Remember, if everyone fills out the form and mails it back, we can reduce the cost of the Census by $1.5 billion.