Every 10 years since 1790, a headcount is taken of every person living in the United States. This is Census year. In mid-March, everyone should receive the questionnaire for the 2010 Census in the mail.

The form for the 2010 Census is one of the shortest in history and with just 10 questions should take about 10 minutes to fill out. All of the information collected is protected under federal law and is used only for statistical purposes.

The Constitution of the United States requires that a census be conducted each decade to determine the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Census provides important information for communities, community groups and local governments. It also is used to allocate state and federal funds for community services including schools and healthcare. So, it is important that everyone respond.

To know that the form you receive in the mail is genuine, watch for a letter from the Census Bureau to arrive a few days beforehand. For the 2010 Census, information cannot be submitted online. The Census does not ask for income or tax information, social security or bank account numbers or immigration status.

For more information or help filling out the Census form, call the Questionnaire Assistance Center (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time) at 1-866-872-6868; Spanish, 1-866-928-2010; and TDD, 1-866-784-2010

To find more information online visit the Web site http://2010.census.gov. You also can contact the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Source: Julie N. Zimmerman, Associate Professor, Rural Sociology, Department of Community and Leadership Development