You are about to be counted. The 2010 United States Census will take place this winter. Here are some Qs and As about the census. Persons with specific questions may call Nancy Benroth at the Bluffton town hall, 419-358-2066, extension 102.

Q. Who should be counted in the Census?
A. Everyone in the United States. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens.

Q. How long does it take to complete?
A. About 10 minutes.

Q. Who should fill out the census?
A. The individual whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and non-relatives.

Q. Why should I complete the census?
A. Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.

Q. What does that break down to for my community?
A. For every person missed in the count, the community loses $1,000 per year or a total of $10,000 for 10 years until the next census.

Q. How is the census data used?
A. It determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ohio could possibly lose two seats if the population counts are not up to what they should be.

Q. Is data used any other way?
A. It determines the allocation of federal funds for community services, such as school lunch programs, senior citizen centers, and new construction, such as highways and hospitals.

Q. When will we be receiving the census?
A. It should be delivered in the mail around March 15th.

Q. When is the mail back deadline?
A. April 30th.

Q. What happens if I don't mail the census back?
A. You will be visited by a census taker. They will make 6 attempts to interview you at your home.

Q. What is the savings to mail back the census instead of waiting for a home visit?
A. The savings would be between $60-$70 per census form that is returned by mail.

Q. Does everyone get a census form in the mail?
A. No, those with post office boxes will not receive one. The will only be delivered to actually dwellings. To get these people counted, the Village of Bluffton will try to send one to each post office box holder and if they still don't receive one, it can be picked up at the Town Hall.

Q. How long is the census form?
A. It is only 10 questions.

Q. What are the questions?
A. Name, sex, age and date of birth, Hispanic origin, race, household relationship and if you own or rent your home. It requires less personnel information than a typical credit card application.

Q. Who will be working for the census bureau?
A. Local people, who will know the community better. Census jobs are available for all kinds of positions.

Q. What kind of background check is done on the census workers?
A. All census workers undergo an FBI name background check, and fingerprinting.

Q. Where should I be counted if I have several residences?
A. Where you live most of the time or where you are living on April 1st. That means that dorm living/apartment living college students will be counted in their campus city.

Q. How are group living residences counted?
A. These residences include dormitories, nursing homes and the like. Local census offices will conduct a visit to each location. For those who can, Individual Census Reports will be provided, filled out and returned. If unable to complete form by self, administration will be requested to record the data.

Q. Will the information the census bureau collects remain confidential?
A. Yes, 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 fine up to $250,000. By law, the census bureau cannot share an individual's answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies, other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Q. Where can I go if I need help completing the census?
A. Nancy Benroth at the town hall will be available to assist you.