The 2020 Census is upon us and local leaders are asking people to fill out their data now, especially as many are working from home. 

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke says she wants to remind everyone how critical it is to fill it out. The official period for the census reporting begins April 1, but Clarke fears with all the issues people are facing at the moment, the task may get left behind. 

She says that the 9th District, which she oversees, is typically one of the most under-reported due to a large immigrant population. 

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However, she is emphasizing that the information provided is private and can’t be shared with other agencies. 

The next step involves people going door-to-door to count anyone who does not fill out the information ahead of time. 

She says she believes that may be delayed due to coronavirus concerns, so it’s best to fill out the census forms early. 

Census data is vital to aid-funding to communities. 

 

“Filling out that census will determine how we rebuild our community for the next ten years and so it is critical, notwithstanding the challenges that we're facing in this moment. The one challenge that we can meet and that is having 100% compliance,” said Clarke. 

The period typically ends in September. 

As the city and the world deal with stopping the spread of COVID-19, Clarke is asking for more time.

The New York Congressional delegation is sending a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce asking for an extension and hoping for a favorable response.