I know you are used to hearing from us about elections but responding to the Census is also a critically important part of your civic responsibility in New York City.

Check your mailbox! On March 13th, homes across the country began to receive their first invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.

With so many of us socially isolating, there is no better time to visit 2020Census.gov to respond to the Census. It only takes a couple of minutes to fill out online, by phone, or by mail, and it gives you something to post about on social media other than your most recent grocery haul.

Why should you respond to the Census?

• It determines New York City’s fair share of billions of dollars in federal funds for public education, affordable housing, hospitals, health care, infrastructure, and more.
• It determines the number of seats New York state has in Congress. If we are undercounted, we could lose up to two seats, diminishing the power of our voices on Capitol Hill.
• It’s every American’s civic duty to respond! (Not to mention, it’s a Constitutional requirement)

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it has never been more important to ensure that you, your family, and your community are counted. By responding to the Census, you help ensure that resources are distributed where and when they are needed most.

When should you respond to the Census?

• As soon as possible! Seriously. But ideally by April 1.
• Though the Census Bureau just announced a 2-week suspension of field activities due to COVID-19, Census field staff should begin to visit homes who have not responded to the Census in April.

As Census operations develop in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to direct you to some useful resources:

• Census Bureau Statement on Coronavirus and the 2020 Census
• Report inaccurate, fraudulent or concerning information about the 2020 Census
• A guide to the Census’s brand new Internet Self-Response Portal
• The NYC 2020 Census team’s website has content available in 26 languages

Remember: the Census specifically asks for info on you and everyone living in your home on April 1, 2020 (which, of course, is Census Day!).

As always, you can visit WhosOntheBallot to find out if you are eligible to vote, check your registration status, and confirm your polling location. I encourage you to sign up for updates from WhosOntheBallot to receive information about elections, debates, registration deadlines, and absentee ballot request deadlines, and the Census.

Send a message New York Counts!