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Phone Banking Initiative Urges Union County Residents to Participate in the 2020 Census

As part of a broad effort to encourage participation in the 2020 Census, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has launched a phone bank initiative to remind residents about the importance of returning their 2020 Census survey, and to assist them with any questions they may have.

“The Census count has a direct impact on funding for education, roads, and health care in Union County,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “There is so much at stake, and the phone banking initiative is an important part of the County’s commitment to achieve a fair and accurate count of all Union County residents. If you have not responded to the 2020 Census and receive a phone call from the Union County phone bank, please take a few minutes to help us meet that goal.”

Union County personnel will operate the phone bank, on temporary reassignment during the COVID-19 outbreak. They are trained to provide reliable guidance on the 2020 Census and provide accurate answers to questions, including those regarding confidentiality and other concerns.

The Union County phone bank will call more than 30,000 individuals during the next few months, targeting hard-to-count areas. The initiative will begin directing calls to low response communities in the City of Plainfield.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the County has employed social media to explain the importance of completing the Census. In addition, 30-second public service announcements featuring Chairman Mirabella in English with Spanish subtitles were aired through various media outlets covering all Union County municipalities.

Other Union County initiatives include the countywide “It Makes Sense to…Come to Your CENSUS 2020” campaign created by high school students who participated in Union County’s annual UC-STEP youth leadership conference in December.

The County will continue to encourage all residents to complete and return the Census questionnaire by mail, phone, or online. The Census has only nine questions and takes about 10 minutes to fill out.

For more help with responding to the U.S. Census, County residents can complete an online survey on the County website at ucnj.org/census

For additional information and assistance on responding, visit the U.S. Census Bureau at 2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond, or call 844-330-2020. Phone assistance is available from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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