Making it count

Census responses tick up; about 45% uncounted in county

There has been an uptick responses to the U.S. Census from El Dorado and Union County and area officials are encouraging area residents to continue participating in the census enumeration during “Surge Week.”

Mayor Veronica SmithCreer shared Monday the latest update she has received from the Chicago Regional Census Center, which covers Arkansas.

Debra Joyner, partnership specialist with the CRCC of the U.S. Census Bureau, said this week is “Surge Week”, a period in which the USCB is urging local partners to stress the importance of the census on social media and during public meetings and events.

Joyner said local officials should also have educational and awareness materials about the census available to local residents during Surge Week, adding that communities who need such materials may request them from the USCB.

“Arkansas is still moving forward with the 2020 (Census)! Keep up the good work,” Joyner said.

According to information provided by Joyner, El Dorado has a 56.6% response rate, compared to 55.3% in late May.

The most recent response rates for households in other Union County cities are: 55.8% for Smackover; 48.1% for Norphlet; 34.3% for Strong; 30.7% of Calion; 28.5% for Huttig; and 11.3% for Felsenthal.

Overall, 55.1% of Union County households have participated in the U.S. Census, representing an increase of approximately 3% from was

reported in late May for response rates county-wide.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Smith-Creer said.

Joyner said that with the resumption of field operations, which were suspended because of the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, the USCB has also launched a Mobile Questionnaire Assistant Unit operation.

With the MQA, census workers can set up units at various points throughout Union County to help residents complete Census forms and provide educational materials.

“MQAs have to be held outside considering COVID-19,” she said.

Communities who are interested in setting up MQAs may call Joyner at 312-579-1605 or send an email to debra. joyner@2020census.gov.

Willie McGhee, a member of the El Dorado City Council and the city's Complete Count Committee, said he is working with Joyner on developing a campaign to promote the census on local radio stations and Council Member Judy Ward has suggested that the city partner with Union County for a promotional campaign and to use social media to help spread the message and ensure that the area receives an accurate population count.

Council Member Paul Choate said local officials need to “keep pushing to the message.”

The USCB is expected to conduct door-to-door visits for households who have not responded to the census Aug. 11 - Oct. 31.