Encouraging Census Participation

By Genevieve Valek

Census results drive funding for government funding for public health, education and other needed services. To help Illinois get the best census results possible, Valek & Company developed an advertising campaign on behalf of the Illinois Public Health Association to encourage Illinois residents to take the 2020 census.

The campaign was tailored by team member Catherine Mann to reach hard-to-find populations in northwest and southern Illinois; these populations include racial and ethnic minorities and individuals who are disabled, homeless, have limited English proficiency, have no Internet service or are poor. Valek & Co. developed a multi-faceted campaign that included television spots on local stations, as well as online banner ads and posters created by Tuan Do. The posters were placed in local businesses and public areas. All of these different advertisements were produced in both English and Spanish.

The U.S. Constitution requires that every person living in the United States is counted every 10 years for the purpose of ensuring fair representation and distribution of resources. An accurate count of the Illinois population ensures that the state receives the funding and resources it needs to provide essential programs and services to its residents. In addition, the number of seats Illinois has in the U.S. House of Representatives will be determined for the next 10 years based on the count of the 2020 census.