Promotional campaign encourages residents to fill out census Story by Amy Passaretti Photo Courtesy of Heather Moe
W
hen the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs released a grant opportunity to promote the 2020 census, Elmore County jumped on the chance to motivate and educate its residents on the purpose and importance of an accurate count. “The Elmore County Commission is committed to following the lead of Gov. Kay Ivey in our efforts to emphasize the importance of the 2020 census,” said Elmore County Commission Chair Troy Stubbs. “It’s our goal to make sure ‘Elmore County Counts’ and ensure we receive equitable representation in government and our fair share of state and federal funding.” The pending decennial census has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, and the Elmore County Complete Count Committee was formed to spearhead the promotional push. “This is an extra sensitive census for the state because if we do not receive an accurate count, Alabama could lose a seat in Congress, along with funding for the services citizens need,” said Heather Moe, public information officer/special projects with Elmore County Commission.
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The Complete Count Committee partnered with Autauga County officials to apply for the available grant. With it, the counties each received marketing and promotional materials saying, ‘Elmore County Counts!’ and ‘Autauga County Counts!,’ respectively, to spread the word. The grant also allowed Elmore County to purchase 20 iPads with service on them for the entirety of the grant cycle, January though June. This will allow volunteers with the committee to have online access on site at certain events to motivate people to complete the census. “The county is really pushing for as many people as possible to fill out their censuses online,” said Moe. “It’s more automated and sends the information directly to the U.S. Census Bureau.” Residents who do not have access to the internet can call the U.S. Census Bureau and complete the census over the phone or the questionnaire will be mailed to anyone who has not responded; however, Elmore County officials plan to supply every opportunity possible to make online opportunities available. “People can come by the county courthouse, and we will have iPads available; local libraries will be open for internet use; we plan to have booths set up at events in March
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