By Mayor Norman Edelcup, City of Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach takes the upcoming census count seriously and urges its residents to participate. This article is meant to help everyone understand the importance of the census and how you can do your part.

By order of the U.S. Constitution a count of the entire population is completed every 10 years. The data from that count determines where new schools, hospitals, housing and community facilities will be built. Additionally, census data determines boundaries for voting districts at all levels of government.

To make sure everyone is counted, the Census Bureau will mail a questionnaire to every household. You must fill out the questionnaire and, following the instructions on the form, return it by mail. (See Key Dates below.) The questionnaire consists of 10 questions that literally take 10 minutes to complete.

Three words can be used to describe the 2010 U.S. Census, easy, important, and safe.

The information is used to help your own community. The information which you send in to the census is confidential; nothing is shared with other agencies or other persons. The Census Bureau has a goal to achieve 100% participation and, on December 31, 2010, deliver to the President the most accurate count possible.

Census Facts:

• What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States.
• Who: Every resident must be counted – both citizens and non citizens.
• When: A questionnaire or census worker will arrive at your home March 2010.
• Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years to determine seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• How: Questionnaires should be returned immediately. If no response is received another questionnaire will be sent to the same household. If the second questionnaire is not returned a census worker will visit the house.

2010 Census Key Dates

February – March 2010
Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to every household.

March – April 2010
Census questionnaires are available at select public sites for individuals who did not receive one by mail.

April 1, 2010
CENSUS DAY

May – July 2010
Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.

December 31, 2010
By law, the Census Bureau delivers population counts to the President of the United States.

March 2011
By law, the Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.

For more information about the 2010 Census, go to 2010census.gov.

BE COUNTED!