Washington, DC (WSYR-TV) - The Census Bureau has begun mailing advance letters to about 120 million addresses nationwide, notifying people that forms for the 2010 Census will be arriving by mid-month.
The one-page letter urges families to complete the 10-question census form when it arrives and to return it in the accompanying prepaid envelope as soon as possible.
"The advance letter helps people know that their 2010 Census form will be arriving soon," said Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves. "It's an important reminder about the impact the census has on our communities, that the census is important and that everyone needs to participate."
The Census Bureau says its research shows that reaching out to respondents with an advance letter and reminder postcard if necessary can boost census mail-back rates and save money.
According to Census statistics, for every one percent increase in households that respond by mail, it says taxpayers save about $85 million in operational costs associated with Census takers going door to door to follow up with households that did not mail back the form.
